Since November 2022, there has been an active outbreak of measles in the state of Ohio.
To date, no cases of measles have been reported in Lake County associated with this outbreak.
Information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Measles:
What is measles?
Measles is very contagious and can cause serious illness. Measles is caused by a virus and spreads very easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles spreads so easily that anyone who is exposed and
not immune (either by being immunized or having had measles in the past) will probably get it.
What are the symptoms of measles?
The main symptoms of measles include:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Rash all over the body
People can spread measles to others before they show symptoms of the virus. Symptoms usually last for 7-10 days once they start.
What does a measles rash look like?
The following photos of measles have been provided by the CDC.
What are some of the severe complications of measles and who is at higher risk for severe complications?
Measles can be serious in all age groups. However, there are several groups that are more likely to suffer from measles complications:
- Children younger than 5 years of age
- Adults older than 20 years of age
- Pregnant women
- People with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection
Common complications include ear infections, which occur in about 1 out of every 10 children with measles, and diarrhea, which is reported in less than 1 out of 10 people with measles.
Some people may suffer from severe complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). They may need to be hospitalized and could die.
- About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles is hospitalized.
- As many as 1 out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children.
- About 1 child of every 1,000 who get measles will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain) that can lead to convulsions and leave the child deaf or with intellectual disability.
- Nearly 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications.
- Measles may cause pregnant women who have not had the MMR vaccine to give birth prematurely or have a low birthweight baby.
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a very rare, but fatal disease of the central nervous system that results from a measles virus infection acquired earlier in life. Since the measles virus was eliminated in 2000, SSPE is rarely reported in the U.S.
More details can be found in the Measles chapter of CDC’s Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (Pink Book).
How is measles prevented?
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is very safe, effective and the best protection against measles. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. One dose is about 93% effective.
Where are there currently outbreaks of measles?
Unvaccinated young children have been diagnosed recently in the Columbus area – the first confirmed measles cases and outbreak in this area in over 20 years. You can protect your family with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Anyone who travels internationally, including infants 6-11 months of age, should be up to date with MMR. There are also outbreaks elsewhere in the U.S. and abroad.
What causes measles outbreaks?
In a given year, more measles cases can occur due to:
- An increase in the number of travelers who get measles abroad and bring it into the U.S., and/or
- Further spread of measles in U.S. communities with pockets of unvaccinated people.
All cases in the current outbreak in Ohio are among children under age 18.
How is measles treated?
There is no cure for measles. Over-the-counter medications can help relieve the fever. Other symptoms usually disappear within 2-3 weeks.
Who needs the measles vaccine (MMR)?
- Children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age or at least 28 days following the first dose.
- Students at post-high school educational institutions without evidence of
measles immunity need two doses of MMR vaccine with the second dose administered no earlier than 28 days after the first dose. - Adults – People who were born during or after 1957 who do not have evidence of immunity against measles should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine.
- International Travelers – People 6 months of age or older who will be traveling internationally should be protected against measles.
Who is at risk for measles?
Anyone who has not been immunized or had measles in the past is at risk. Babies younger than 12 months are at risk because they are too young to have been vaccinated.
How can I protect my baby who is less than 12 months old?
If parents or caregivers have not gotten the MMR vaccine or had measles in the past, they should get vaccinated. It is important to make sure people who are around your new baby do not expose your baby to measles and other diseases (like whooping cough).
What if someone in my family has measles or was exposed to someone with measles?
Call your doctor, nurse or clinic right away. Before you go to the health care provider’s office, call to tell them that you or your family member might have measles. Stay away from other people until at least four days after the rash starts or a test proves you do not have measles.
Should pregnant people get the measles vaccine (MMR)?
Pregnant people should not get the MMR vaccine. Pregnant people who need the vaccine should wait until after giving birth. People should avoid getting pregnant for four weeks after getting the MMR vaccine.
Is the measles vaccine safe?
Research has shown that the measles vaccine (MMR) is safe and very effective. Getting vaccinated is much safer than getting any of the diseases the vaccine protects against.
Are there any side effects from the vaccine?
Like any medication, the measles vaccine (MMR) may cause side effects, most of which are mild:
- Pain at the injection site
- Fever
- Mild rash
- Swollen glands in the cheek or neck
Does the MMR vaccine cause autism?
Vaccines do not cause autism. In fact, studies have shown that there is no link between receiving vaccines and developing autism. Scientists have carefully studied the MMR shot and no studies have found a link between autism and the MMR shot.
Do I ever need a booster vaccine?
If you have had two doses of MMR vaccine, you do not need a booster. If you are not sure whether you were vaccinated, talk with your health care provider.
Where can I get the measles vaccine?
The measles vaccine (also referred to as the MMR vaccine) is available at many primary care practices, pharmacies, Signature Health, and Lake County General Health District. If you are unsure if you need your measles vaccine or if your series if complete, you should reach out to your primary care provider.
Where can I find more information about measles?
Ohio Department of Public Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
