Media Contact:
Matt Allen 313.501.0001
mallen2@waynecountymi.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 8, 2026
Measles Exposure at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Anyone potentially exposed should monitor for symptoms for 21 days
Wayne County Public Health (WCPH) was notified of a confirmed case of measles in an out-of-state resident who traveled through Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) on Thursday, April 23, 2026. In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), passengers potentially exposed on the flight will be notified by their respective local health departments.
Additionally, individuals who were at the following location on the specified date and times below may have been exposed:
- McNamara Terminal or U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Thursday, April 23, from 6:25 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Anyone at the above locations during the identified dates and times should check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms for 21 days from the date of exposure. If symptoms develop, individuals should notify their health care provider before seeking care so steps can be taken to prevent exposure to others.
“Measles is highly contagious, spreads easily through the air, and even brief exposure can put unvaccinated individuals at risk. Fortunately, measles is highly preventable with the MMR vaccine. With measles cases on the rise, everyone should ensure they and their families are up to date on the MMR vaccine—the best protection against measles,” Dr. Avani Sheth, Chief Medical Officer, Wayne County Public Health.
About Measles
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease, that can cause serious complications, especially for babies and young children, including hospitalization, long-term illness, and death. A single infectious person can spread measles to approximately 9 out of 10 people nearby who are not protected against measles. Individuals are considered protected against measles and immune if they:
- Are a child (K–12) or adult who has received two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- Are a preschool-aged child who has received one dose of MMR vaccine.
- Previously had measles.
- Were born before 1957.
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breaths, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Infected people can spread measles before noticing symptoms, including from four days before through four days after the rash appears. Symptoms typically begin 7-14 days after exposure but may appear up to 21 days after exposure and include:
- High fever (may spike to over 104˚F).
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin.
- Rash that is red, raised, blotchy that usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.
Measles Vaccine
Vaccination remains the best protection against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, safe, and provides long-lasting protection. Two doses are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles.
Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first dose starting at 12 months and second dose starting at 4 years. The first dose can be given as early as 6 months during times of increased risk or before travel.
Anyone not fully vaccinated against measles is urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. As of April 30, 2026, 1,814 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States in 2026 across 37 jurisdictions. Across the United States and Michigan, routine immunization coverage has dropped.
Vaccines are widely available from health care providers, pharmacies, and health departments.
No to low-cost vaccines are available at Wayne County Public Health:
- 33030 Van Born Rd., Wayne MI
- Walk-In or Schedule an Appointment (734) 727-7101:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
- Wednesday 11:00am - 7:30pm
For more information:
WayneCountyMi.gov/measles
Michigan.gov/measles
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