On March 24, 2025, a laboratory-confirmed case of measles was identified in an adult international traveler visiting Knox County. The individual has completed their isolation period and is no longer infectious.
The Ohio Department of Health is collaborating with Knox Public Health (KPH) to follow up on contacts and promote vaccination opportunities. KPH is working with the individual and their healthcare provider to identify contacts. They will notify these contacts and provide guidance on post-exposure prophylaxis and quarantine.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread even before symptoms appear. The virus can survive in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the room. Symptoms typically manifest 7 to 14 days after exposure but can take as long as 21 days.
Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, pink/red watery eyes, and a red/brown blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading to the trunk and extremities. These symptoms usually subside within 7 to 9 days. According to the Ohio Department of Health, about one in five people with measles require hospitalization, one in 1,000 may develop encephalitis leading to brain damage, and between one to three out of every 1,000 cases may result in death despite optimal care.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises all children receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first dose should be administered at 12 through 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. International travelers should be fully vaccinated before traveling. Infants aged 6-11 months should receive one dose before travel followed by two additional doses after their first birthday. Older children, adolescents, and adults without evidence of immunity should receive one or two doses.
The MMR vaccine is highly effective; receiving two doses reduces the risk of contracting measles significantly. "After two doses," it is "97% effective at preventing measles." Individuals unsure about their vaccination status are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider.
Those experiencing symptoms are advised to stay home, avoid contact with others, and call their healthcare provider instead of visiting waiting rooms unannounced due to potential contagion risks.
For further information or updates visit Knox Public Health’s website or for more details about measles visit the CDC's website.
Information from this article can be found here.
