Knox Public Health confirmed on April 14 that 20 cases of measles are linked to the initial case in Knox County. Thirteen of the individuals are residents of Ohio County.
According to a Knox Public Health news release, 14 of these cases have completed their isolation periods, while six remain active.
The news release describes measles as a highly contagious virus. Infected individuals can spread it to others who lack immunity from prior disease or vaccination even before they show symptoms. The virus can persist in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room. Symptoms typically appear 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 that begins on the face before spreading. Symptoms usually subside within seven to nine days. The Ohio Department of Health reports that one out of every five people with measles will be hospitalized. Approximately one out of every 1,000 people with measles develop encephalitis, which may lead to brain damage. One to three out of every 1,000 with measles will die despite receiving care.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine: the first at 12 through 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years old. International travelers should ensure they are fully vaccinated.
Persons exhibiting symptoms should stay home and contact their healthcare provider without visiting waiting rooms directly if they suspect they have measles. Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff confirmed a measles outbreak in Ashtabula County and noted one confirmed case involving a visitor in Knox County who exposed others in Knox and nearby counties.
