12/05/2022

Columbus Public Health Update from the Emergency Preparedness Committee

There is a measles outbreak in Central Ohio.

There is a measles outbreak in Central Ohio. This outbreak is not limited to the City of Columbus and is spreading in our community. Measles is a very serious and contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads easily in the air by coughing and sneezing.

Up to 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to measles develop the disease. One in five people with measles are hospitalized.

The Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against measles. The MMR vaccine is very safe, highly effective, and does not cause autism. Getting vaccinated is much safer than getting measles.

What You Can Do

• Contact your health care provider or Columbus Public Health if someone in your family has any measles symptoms.
• Get vaccinated immediately. Children can get the first dose of MMR at 12 months of age.
• Speak with your health care provider to ensure your family is up-to-date on MMR vaccines.
• Keep an updated roster of children in your care, if you provide childcare.
• Keep sick children at home. Children exposed to measles should quarantine for 21 days. Children who are positive for measles should isolate for 5 days.
• Cover coughs, wash hands and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Isolate sick people from unvaccinated people. Vaccinate immediately.

What You Need to Know About Measles

Anyone who has not been immunized or had measles in the past is at risk of getting measles. Speak to your doctor if you or your child develops these symptoms:

• Fever
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes)
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth
• Rash all over the body

People can spread measles before they show symptoms.

CDC. Child with a measles rash. CDC. White spots inside the mouth.

For More Information and to Schedule a Vaccine

Call Columbus Public Health: 614-645-1519

Email us: measles@columbus.gov

Or visit our Measles website for educational materials, vaccine sites, case reports:

https://www.columbus.gov/measles/