LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Allen County Public Health has confirmed its first case of measles in the county. The infected resident is under 18 years old and unvaccinated.
Measles is highly contagious, and infected children can spread the virus before showing symptoms. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash that typically appears three to five days after other symptoms begin.
According to health officials, one in five children with measles will require hospitalization due to complications such as pneumonia, dehydration, and brain swelling.
Health departments in the area are urging the public to review their measles vaccination status and encouraging parents to vaccinate their children.
Media Release from Allen County Public Health
ALLEN CO., Oh - A case of measles has been identified in an unvaccinated Allen County resident under the age of 18. Contacts of the individual have been notified by public health professionals with Allen County Public Health and other health departments in the area to assess their measles vaccination status, and to provide information regarding signs and symptoms of measles and appropriate quarantine measures.
Measles is very contagious. Children infected with measles can spread it to others, even before they have symptoms. The measles virus can live for up to two hours in the air after an infected person leaves the room. Nine out of 10 unvaccinated children who are exposed to measles will become infected. Symptoms may not occur for up to 21 days after exposure to an individual who has measles.
Symptoms of measles can include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a rash beginning 3-5 days after other symptoms occur. Measles can be serious, and about 1 in 5 children who get measles will be hospitalized with complications such as pneumonia, dehydration, or brain swelling.
Unvaccinated individuals are at risk of infection and severe disease. Allen County Public Health urges parents to vaccinate their children to protect them from becoming infected.
