Ohio Health Department confirms first case of measles since 2017 | WBNS-10TV Columbus, Ohio



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Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Health confirmed its first case of measles in 2019.

ODH Director Amy Acton, MD, said the young adult in Stark County had recently visited a state where measles cases were confirmed. ODH does not currently disclose any additional information about the infected person.

This is the first case of measles confirmed in Ohio since 2017. Twenty-eight states already have measles cases, and several have confirmed measles outbreaks. Previously, the last confirmed measles outbreak in Ohio was in 2014, with 382 confirmed cases.

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Measles is extremely contagious and can spread to other people by coughing and sneezing. If a person has measles, up to 90% of those who come in contact with that person and who are not immunized will also be infected.

"Vaccines save lives, one point is everything. I urge all those who can to get vaccinated, "said Acton director. "Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent serious vaccine-preventable diseases in children and adults, including measles."

Symptoms of measles include rash, high fever, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite and red, watery eyes. The rash usually lasts 5 to 6 days and starts at the level of the hairline, moves to the face and upper neck, and then descends into the body. Diarrhea and ear infections are common complications of measles. More serious complications may also occur.

The complications of measles are more common in children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

More information on measles is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Measles cases confirmed in Ohio:

  • 2009: 1
  • 2010: 2
  • 2011: 0
  • 2012: 1
  • 2013: 0
  • 2014: 382
  • 2015: 1
  • 2016: 0
  • 2017: 1
  • 2018: 0

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