The Ohio Department of Health has confirmed a case of measles in southwest Ohio. The Highland County Health Department stated that an infant less than six months old has contracted the virus. Their family traveled in mid-May to north-central Ohio, where six counties are now experiencing a measles outbreak.
The state’s measles outbreak is the largest outbreak in the United States since 1994, with experts stating that a lack of immunizations is the main cause.
“Contracting measles is especially serious for infants younger than twelve months old,” said ODH State Epidemiologist Dr. Mary DiOrio. “Parents with infants too young to be vaccinated should consider not traveling with them to areas where measles outbreaks are occurring.”
Due to this case, and many others, Governor Jon Kasich has authorized pharmacists to give the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine to adults 18 years and older in order to prevent the further spread of the outbreak.
For Clermont county, there have been no reported cases of measles yet. There have been a few isolated, and unrelated, cases of mumps in the county.
Disease prevention through vaccinations is the easiest preventative measure to take against hazardous, contagious pathogens. Immunizations are also inexpensive, with many clinics offering them free of charge. Those who do not immunize themselves against diseases could run the risk of contract them if they travel to affected areas.
The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is given in a series of shots — first when the child is 12 to 15 months old, and again when they are between 4 and 6 years old. The MMR vaccine is much less risky that contracting the diseases.
Measles, mumps, and rubella spread from person to person through the air. Measles side effects can range from skin rash, cough, eye irritation, or mild fever. Other symptoms include ear infection, pneumonia, seizures, permanent brain damage, and even death.
“We always encourage people to be vaccinated, especially kids,” said Clermont county Health Commissioner Julianne Nesbit. “Vaccination is the best way for people to protect themselves against communicable diseases.”
Since January of 2014, there have been 298 reported cases of measles and 419 cases of mumps in ohio. So far, Clermont County has not seen any measles cases; the county is working hard to take preventative measures. The state of Ohio is also encouraging all individuals of proper age and health to get vaccinated.
Today, death from the measles is rare in the U.S., with an average of 1 per year thanks to vaccines.