HCGHD receives confirmed measles case
On April 8, the Holmes County General Health District was notified of a laboratory-confirmed case of measles in an adult Holmes County resident. The Ohio Department of Health is working with the HCGHD to follow up on potential exposures and promote opportunities for vaccination. Any identified contacts will be notified by public health officials and provided guidance.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. Those who have been vaccinated for measles are protected against the virus. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, reach out to your primary care provider. The measles virus normally grows in the back of the throat and in the cells that line the lungs. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air. Symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days after a person encounters the virus. However, it can take up to 21 days for symptoms to appear. About 10-12 days after exposure, people who are infected with measles usually experience a fever of 101-105 degrees Fahrenheit. This fever is followed by a cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (pinkeye) and a blotchy rash. The rash typically appears on the forehead/hairline first. It then spreads to the face and neck and then the rest of the body over the next three days.
Those who are immune-compromised, pregnant, unvaccinated adults over 20 years of age and unvaccinated children under five years of age are the most at risk of serious complications from the measles virus. Children under six months of age are too young to receive vaccinations for measles. Complications for children include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and ear infections. For every 1,000 children who get measles, an estimated one to two children die from it.
The HCGHD does not provide testing or treatment for measles. If you think you have been exposed to measles, reach out to your primary care provider. Please call ahead first as there may be precautions that need to be taken to prevent spreading to others.
Are you unvaccinated or do not know if you are vaccinated against measles? Talk to your healthcare provider about your vaccination history and the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine is safe and is the most effective way to prevent measles. The HCGHD offers the MMR vaccine to adults and children. For information about the HCGHD’s clinics, call 330-674-5035 or visit www.holmeshealth.org.