Measles is on the rise throughout the United States, including here in Ohio. Across the state, local health departments – including Hamilton County Public Health – are monitoring for outbreaks of this highly contagious virus.
Preventing the spread of measles is vital to the health of all communities in Hamilton County. Measles is a serious, highly contagious disease that can cause severe health complications and even death. Get the facts about measles.
What should you know about measles?
• If you have measles, you could infect up to 90% of the people who come into contact with you if they are not vaccinated.
• The measles virus spreads through coughing, sneezing and talking.
• Measles symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, pink eye and blotchy red rashes. Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure to the virus.
• If you suspect that you have measles or were exposed to someone who does, you immediately should call your healthcare provider and local public health department (like Hamilton County Public Health).
• Measles is preventable with MMR vaccines – a combination of measles, mumps and rubella vaccines. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles, while one dose is 93% effective.
• Most people who are vaccinated will be protected for life. It’s rare that people who are vaccinated against measles become infected, but those who do typically experience a milder illness and are less likely to spread the virus than unvaccinated people do.
• Measles vaccinations usually are covered by health insurance, including all plans from the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) health insurance marketplace and most private insurance plans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) strongly recommend protecting against measles with an MMR vaccine series, especially in children. Learn more on the CDC’s website and on ODH’s website. You also can read, download and print Hamilton County Public Health’s fact sheet about measles.
Not sure if you’re up to date on your measles vaccination? Hamilton County Public Health may be able to retrieve immunization records for you or your family members. Contact our customer service team at (513) 946-7800 or complete the immunization records request form.
