Five Measles Cases Confirmed in Wayne County; Health Officials Urge Vaccination
WOOSTER, OH — The Wayne County Health Department has confirmed five measles cases among county residents as health officials investigate additional suspected or probable infections.
The department announced the cases Thursday, Aug. 27, saying the additional cases involve people who were either exposed to confirmed patients and developed symptoms consistent with measles or are awaiting laboratory results.
The Wayne County Health Department is working with the Ohio Department of Health to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed.
“All of these cases are unvaccinated individuals,” Wayne County Health Commissioner Nicholas Cascarelli said. “These illnesses are entirely preventable with vaccination. It is safe and it works.”
Cascarelli said the department has vaccinated more than 700 people against measles during the past six weeks.
Several outreach vaccination clinics are planned throughout Wayne County. Residents may call the health department at 330-264-9590 for clinic dates, locations and times or to schedule an appointment at its Wooster office.
Measles Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Health officials said approximately nine out of 10 unvaccinated people who come near someone with measles will also become infected.
Symptoms typically begin seven to 14 days after exposure and may include:
A high fever that can exceed 104 degrees
Cough
Runny nose
Red or watery eyes
A rash appearing three to five days after other symptoms begin
Measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling and death. Babies, young children and unvaccinated people face an increased risk of infection and complications.
Call Before Seeking Treatment
Anyone who was exposed to measles or believes they may be infected should not enter a doctor’s office, clinic or hospital without warning.
Residents should call ahead so medical personnel can prepare appropriate isolation precautions and prevent additional exposure.
Emergency symptoms include difficulty breathing, pain while breathing or coughing, dehydration, persistent fever or headache, confusion, decreased alertness, severe weakness, blue coloring around the mouth or difficulty feeding in young children.
If emergency treatment is necessary, someone should call the hospital before arriving. The potentially infected person should remain in the vehicle until hospital personnel provide instructions.
The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine—commonly known as the MMR vaccine—is considered the most effective protection against measles.
Questions about vaccination appointments, clinic schedules or immunization records may be directed to the Wayne County Health Department at 330-264-9590.
