Image description: A child lies on a hospital sheet while a gloved healthcare professional examines the child’s chest with a stethoscope. The child has a visible measles rash, with scattered reddish spots and patches across the skin.
Measles outbreaks are becoming more frequent in Ohio, the surrounding states, and across the United States. Health departments – including Hamilton County Public Health – are monitoring for local outbreaks of this highly contagious virus.
Measles is serious and very contagious, as it can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a space. It can cause severe health complications and even death, particularly for children.
Previously, measles had been eliminated in the United States thanks to longtime, widespread use of the highly effective measles vaccine. But now, doctors are worried about continued measles outbreaks because of steadily declining vaccination rates.
Learn about measles and the measles vaccine by downloading Hamilton County Public Health’s fact sheet.
What to know about measles
- The United States currently is experiencing its highest number of measles cases since 1991.
- Measles can be deadly, especially for children and those who have weakened immune systems.
- Measles can cause significant respiratory and neurological complications as well as other long-term health effects.
- Measles is very contagious. A person with measles could infect up to 90% of the people who come into contact with them if those people have not already received the measles vaccine.
- 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 should immediately call your healthcare provider and local public health department (like Hamilton County Public Health).
How the measles vaccine can prevent measles outbreaks
Measles is a preventable disease. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) strongly recommends protecting yourself and your family against measles through vaccines, especially for children. Learn more on ODH’s website.
- The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine offers long-term immunity and prevents measles infections.
- Vaccines are safe and effective, going through years of rigorous scientific testing before receiving any type of federal approval for use.
- Vaccines are continuously monitored for safety on a long-term basis – especially vaccines for children. The measles vaccine has been studied for more than 70 years.
- The two-dose measles vaccine series is 97% effective at preventing measles, while one dose is 93% effective.
- Most people who receive the measles vaccine are 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 typically are covered by health insurance, including plans from the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) health insurance marketplace and most private insurance plans. Check with your provider for specifics.
- Your physician, pediatrician or healthcare provider can answer questions about the measles vaccine and work with you on a customized immunization plan.
Request your measles vaccine records
Not sure if you’ve had the full measles vaccine series? Need information about other vaccination history? Hamilton County Public Health may be able to retrieve immunization records for you or your family members. For assistance, contact our customer service team at (513) 946-7800 or complete the immunization records request form.
For more information about measles, download and print Hamilton County Public Health’s fact sheet about measles and the measles vaccine.