5/8/14 As measles outbreak spreads, health commissioners urges caution in planning large gatherings
By Nick Sabo
May 8, 2014
393
SUMMARY: Thousands have vaccinated in outbreak so far but many thousands believed to still be unvaccinated. The disease has spread into Holmes and Wayne counties, with cases confirmed by the Ohio Department of Health.
With a measles outbreak spreading, health officials are urging caution when planning large gatherings.
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has confirmed 54 cases of measles in Ohio, spread out across six counties. Of the total, five have been confirmed in Holmes County and one in Wayne County. In Knox County, where the outbreak began, 34 cases have been confirmed.
Holmes County Health Commissioner Dr. D.J. McFadden said the outbreak is continuing to spread among unvaccinated populations. Holmes and Wayne counties are particularly at risk because of large populations that forgo vaccination for religious reasons.
The level of risk is such that McFadden is suggesting that large gatherings be postponed or cancelled.
If youre planning a wedding, you might want to make sure everyone in the wedding party has been vaccinated, McFadden said. Those who have been exposed shouldnt come. Those who are planning on going to the wedding should get vaccinated. Its not worth turning what should be a beautiful day into a tragedy.
McFadden said that measles is highly contagious, infecting 90 percent of those exposed to the disease. Vaccination is 99 percent effective against infection and a dose of vaccine can stop infection even after it sets in.
Holmes County has so far administered almost 2,000 doses of measles vaccine since the outbreak began, McFadden said. At a clinic May 5 in Charm, 997 persons were vaccinated. However, McFadden said, we estimate that thousands of people are not vaccinated and are therefor at risk.
To further halt the risk of infection, exposed individuals should self-quarantine for 21 days. Anyone infected with measles should stay home until four days after measles rash appears.
Vaccination clinics have been scheduled as follows: Friday, May 9, 10 a.m. to noon at Weaver Leather, 7540 County Road 201, Mt. Hope; Monday, May 12, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lakeville Fire Station; Thursday, May 15, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Paint Township Fire Station; Monday, May 19, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Glenmont Community Building.
The outbreak started in Knox County after individuals on a mission trip were exposed to the disease in the Philippines. In addition to Holmes, Knox and Wayne counties, the ODH has confirmed cases of measles in Ashland, Knox and Richland counties.
The symptoms of measles generally begin seven to 14 days after infection and include a blotchy rash, fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and fatigue.
A typical case of measles begins with fever, cough, red eyes, sore throat and runny nose. Two or three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth. A reddish-brown rash appears three to five days after the start of symptoms.
For more information, contact the Holmes County Health Department at 330-674-5035.
