Columbus Public Health is investigating a Local Case of Measles
June 16, 2022
Columbus Public Health
is investigating a Local Case of Measles
A Child Who Recently
Traveled has Tested Positive for Measles
Columbus Public Heath
is currently investigating a confirmed case of measles in a 17 month old female
resident in Columbus Public Health's jurisdiction. The case had recent international travel and is
unvaccinated. The child was not infectious during travel.
Columbus Public Health
is currently conducting contact tracing. Early investigative results show that
there is no risk to the general public at this time. The child and her family
are currently isolating at home.
About Measles:
Measles is a highly contagious
and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery
eyes. It mainly spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or
sneezes.
Measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after
exposure. Measles is contagious from approximately four days before the rash
appears through four days after the rash appears. People can spread measles
before they have the measles rash.
Measles complications can include ear
infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and rarely, encephalitis (brain inflammation).
About the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Vaccine:
Anyone who has
never received Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is at high risk of
measles and should be vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is
safe and highly effective at preventing measles. One dose of MMR vaccine is 93%
effective and two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles. MMR is widely
available at healthcare providers and Columbus Public Health.
What Columbus Public Health is Doing:
Columbus
Public Health is working with the Ohio Department of Health and other partners
to protect health by conducting contact tracing, providing education and MMR
vaccines to those at risk of infection. Columbus Public Health also is
preventing the spread of measles by conducting 24/7 surveillance, and tracking,
interviewing and investigating cases to prevent the spread of disease in our
community.
For more information on
measles, visit https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.
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