WAVERLY, Ohio — The Pike County General Health District reported 20 additional confirmed cases of measles in Pike County on Friday, bringing the county’s total to 22 confirmed cases, with two additional cases listed as suspected.
The health district said it has completed contact tracing for the cases, including identifying potential exposures, notifying contacts and providing guidance to individuals who may have been exposed.
According to the district, individuals with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after it begins. The day the rash first appears is considered Day 0, which means a person can spread measles before the rash develops and remains contagious through Day 4 after the rash appears. Individuals with measles should remain isolated through Day 4. Severely immunocompromised individuals may remain contagious longer and require additional precautions.
Measles symptoms may include high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and a rash. Symptoms generally develop seven to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to appear.
Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with measles should avoid contact with others and contact their healthcare provider immediately, the district said. Residents should call ahead before arriving at a medical facility and explain that they may have measles or have been exposed, so healthcare providers can take precautions to protect other patients and staff.
Vaccination is the best protection against measles, according to the district. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles.
Residents who need vaccination or are unsure of their vaccination status are encouraged to contact the Pike County General Health District at (740) 947-7721. Vaccinations are available through the health district, and arrangements can be made for visits at another location for individuals who have difficulty coming to the office.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles should contact their healthcare provider or the health district as soon as possible for guidance.
J News Network first reported a confirmed measles case in Pike County on Oct. 8.
The district’s media contact is Public Information Officer Matt Brewster, (740) 947-7721. The Pike County General Health District is at 116 S. Market St. in Waverly.
