Kenton-Hardin Health Department Shares Measles Information and Resources

The Kenton-Hardin Health Department recently announced that they have received numerous calls about the measles outbreak and have shared vaccination information for the community on their Facebook page.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or being near someone who’s infected.

It often starts with cold-like symptoms—like a fever, cough, and runny nose—followed by a rash that spreads across the body around 3-5 days after symptoms begin. It can also cause high fevers that may spike to more than 104F.

According to a release from the Ohio Department of Health last week, complications from measles are more common among children younger than 5 years of age, adults older than 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. As many as one out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children.

Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, stated, “Given the measles activity in Texas, New Mexico, and other states around the country, we’re disappointed but not surprised we now have several cases here in Ohio and known exposure in some counties,” said Dr. Vanderhoff. “This disease can be very serious, even deadly, but it is almost entirely avoidable by being properly vaccinated. Measles is especially dangerous for young children, so I strongly urge all parents across Ohio to make sure your children are vaccinated. It is a crucial layer of protection that can save lives.”

While it can be serious, especially for young children or those with weakened immune systems, it’s also preventable with a safe and effective vaccine.

The Ohio Department of Health stated that two doses of MMR is 97% effective against measles. If you are up to date on measles vaccine, the risk of getting sick is extremely low. The CDC recommends all children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. 

If you are experiencing symptoms, you should avoid contact with others and seek care from your healthcare provider.

You should also call your provider before you arrive and notify them that you have a measles concern, so that further spread can be prevented.

If you are unvaccinated, in-between vaccinations, or do not know if you are vaccinated, talk to your healthcare provider for more information.

Vaccination options in Hardin County include at the Kenton Community Health Center. For more information or to get scheduled, please call them at 419-679-5994.

More information and other vaccination options in the area can be found on the Kenton-Hardin Health Department’s Facebook page.