MMR vaccines available at Wyandot County Public Health
UPPER SANDUSKY, Ohio - The Ohio Department of Health recently reported Ohio’s first measles case of 2024. This case was identified in a Montgomery County resident who was evaluated at Dayton Children’s Hospital.
ODH is working with affected health departments to identify and notify those who may have been exposed. Wyandot County has not been affected by this case at this time.
It is important for Wyandot County residents to remember that measles is extremely contagious. It is a virus transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breaths, coughs, or sneezes. The Measles virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Infected people are contagious from 4 days before the rash starts through four days afterward. The incubation period for measles from exposure to fever is usually about 10 days, and from exposure to rash onset is usually about 14 days.
Measles causes a red rash that commonly starts at the hairline and spreads down the body. Other common symptoms are a high fever that may spike to more than 104 degrees, a cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Common complications related to measles include ear infections, lung inflammation, croup, and diarrhea. Even in previously healthy children, measles can also cause serious, potentially life-threatening illness requiring hospitalization.
Declines in measles vaccination rates globally have increased the risks of outbreaks worldwide. Ohio had one measles case in 2023, and 90 in 2022, when an outbreak centered in central Ohio totaled 85 cases.
The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly protective against measles infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at four through six years of age. MMR vaccine can also be given to adults born after 1957 who are not vaccinated, or whose vaccination status is unknown. For people traveling abroad, CDC recommends that all persons older than six months receive MMR vaccine prior to departure.
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. As a result, the isolation guidelines indicate that an unvaccinated contact must be isolated for a minimum of 21 days after the last known exposure, which can be disruptive to households.
Wyandot County Public Health offers the MMR vaccine and other routine vaccines on Mondays and Fridays by appointment. Now is a great time to ensure that you and your loved ones are up to date on all recommended vaccines. To schedule an appointment or check on recommended vaccines, call Wyandot County Public Health at 419-294-3852.
