Pike County General Health District confirms measles case in Pike County
The Pike County General Health District is reporting one laboratory-confirmed case of measles in Pike County. The health district is conducting follow-up investigations to identify potential exposures, notify contacts, and provide guidance to individuals who may have been exposed.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can spread easily, including before an infected person develops symptoms. The measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Individuals who are not vaccinated are at highest risk for infection.
Symptoms of measles may include:
• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Watery or red eyes
• A rash that typically begins three to five days after other symptoms appear.
Symptoms generally develop 7–14 days after exposure, although it can take as long as 21 days for symptoms to appear. The onset of symptoms may be delayed in individuals with compromised immune systems.
Measles can cause serious complications. About one in five unvaccinated people in the United States who contract measles are hospitalized. Complications can include pneumonia, dehydration and swelling of the brain. Pregnant women who are not vaccinated against measles may also be at increased risk for complications, including premature birth or having a low-birth-weight baby.
Individuals experiencing symptoms consistent with measles should avoid contact with others and contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Call your healthcare provider before arriving at a medical facility and inform them that you may have been exposed to measles or are experiencing symptoms. Calling ahead allows healthcare providers to take appropriate precautions to prevent potential exposure to other patients and staff.
Individuals with concerns about symptoms, exposure or vaccination should contact their healthcare provider or the health district at 740-947-7721 for guidance.
The best way to protect against measles is vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is routinely recommended at 12–15 months of age and again at 4–6 years of age. Two doses of MMR vaccine are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles.
Individuals who are unsure of their vaccination status should contact their healthcare provider or the health district to determine whether vaccination is recommended.
Individuals born before 1957 are generally considered likely to have immunity to measles through previous exposure. Individuals with questions about their immunity or vaccination history should consult with their healthcare provider or call the health district.
In certain circumstances, vaccination or medications may be recommended following exposure to measles to help prevent or reduce the severity of illness. Individuals who believe they have been exposed should contact their healthcare provider or call the health district as soon as possible for guidance.
For more information about measles, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.