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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The first case of confirmed measles in Ohio is calling a warning from the Ohio Department of Health.
The Ohio health director reported Friday that a young adult from Stark County had contracted the virus while traveling to another state. The infected person and anyone who has been in contact with the patient are quarantined as a precaution.
The latest case is the first to be confirmed in Ohio since 2017. Previously, the last measles outbreak in Ohio was in 2014, when 382 cases were confirmed.
So far, in 2019, 28 states in total have confirmed measles cases, including several outbreaks.
"Cases that occur in other states are linked to pockets of unvaccinated individuals. We also have cases of people traveling abroad to countries where measles is still endemic, "said Sietske de Fijter, an epidemiologist and head of the Bureau of Infectious Diseases at Ohio Department of Health.
De Fijter explained that unvaccinated people have a 90% chance of getting measles, either through direct contact or through breathing air when an infected person sneezes or coughs up to two hours ago .
Elise Sullivan, a nurse and mother of two young children, said she worried about infants or immunocompromised people catching the disease from someone who chooses not to be vaccinated.
"It's disturbing, especially for young people who have not been fully immunized yet because they're too young to be," Sullivan said. "Knowing that these diseases are present in our community after being essentially eliminated, it concerns me."
Symptoms of measles can include rash, high fever, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite and red, watery eyes. There is no curative treatment for the virus, but symptomatic treatment can help alleviate the symptoms. Serious complications are more common in children under 5, adults over 20, and people with compromised immune systems.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that children be vaccinated for the first time against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) at the age of 12 months and the second between 4 and 6 years of age. Anyone who does not know their vaccination history should contact their health care provider to see if they have been vaccinated.
"It's very easy to do. Vaccines are not lacking, so we strongly encourage unvaccinated people, especially children, to be vaccinated as soon as possible, "said de Fijter.
To help other cases in the state, Franklin Couty Public Health will offer MMR vaccine clinics next week.
Clinics will offer vaccines to children aged 18 and under who have not received both doses of vaccine and to uninsured adults born after 1957 who have not been vaccinated.
Clinics will offer walk-in vaccines in Dublin, Prairie Township and Canal Winchester.
Health officials in Franklin County said that people who had previously received two doses of MMR vaccine in the past did not need to be revaccinated.
People seeking immunization must bring a vaccination record, a parental ID photo and an insurance card. Children can not be seen without these three documents.
For insured adults born after 1957 who have not received the MMR vaccine, please talk to your pharmacist or GP about how to receive it.
The clinics will take place:
- Wednesday July 17th
Dublin Recreation Center
5600 Post Road - Thursday 18th July
Township of Prairie Fire Department
123 Inah Avenue - Friday, July 19th
Winchester Canal Community Center
22 South Trine Street
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