WOOSTER — Two cases of measles have been confirmed in Wayne County, according to the health department.
The Wayne County Health Department received laboratory confirmation and is working closely with the OhioDepartment of Health to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed.
The cases are likely associated with the previously announced measles exposure at Smokey Lane Stables in Sugarcreek on July 17, according to the announcement. The individuals were exposed during that event and later developed symptoms consistent with measles.
This marks the first confirmed measles cases in Wayne County residents associated with that potential exposure.
There is an additional suspected case being investigated.
“We are actively monitoring Wayne County residents who may have been exposed. We are asking residents to be aware of symptoms and to take precautions when seeking treatment. Without a doubt, being vaccinated against the measles virus still offers the best protection. It is safe and it works, “ said Wayne County Health Commissioner Nicholas Cascarelli in a news release.
Contact the Wayne County Health Department at (330) 264-9590 if you have questions about measles or for times and locations of upcoming vaccine clinics throughout Wayne County.
Measles can be especially dangerous for babies or young children. It spreads through the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes.
The virus can stay in the air for two hours after a person with measles leaves the space.
The best way to prevent measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to the health department. Anyone who is not vaccinated is at risk of measles infection and severe complications.
Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus.
Common symptoms include:
Measles can cause severe health problems, including:
If someone in your family has measles symptoms:
When to go to the emergency room:
If the person who is sick gets rapidly worse, or has any of the symptoms listed below, take them to theemergency department of a hospital immediately. Do not wait, the health department states.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Health officials confirm two measles cases in Wayne County
Reporting by Staff Report / The Daily Record
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By Staff Report | USA TODAY Network
