Saturday, March 29th, 2025
Auglaize health officials warn of measles risk
From staff reports
The Auglaize County Health Department has been notified of a confirmed measles case in Allen County that may impact Auglaize County residents, the department announced on Friday in a news release.
Contacts of this individual have been notified by the Auglaize County Health Department to assess their measles vaccination status and to provide information regarding signs and symptoms.
Additionally, Ohio is currently experiencing a measles outbreak impacting Ashtabula and Knox counties.
Measles is very contagious. People infected with measles can spread it to others, even before they have symptoms. The measles virus can live for up to two hours in the air after an infected person leaves the room. Nine out of 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become infected. Symptoms may not occur for up to 21 days after exposure to an individual who has measles.
Doctors should consider measles in their diagnosis if they have a patient with a rash and fever. If measles is suspected, they should report the patient to their local health department immediately.
People who have measles or are suspected of having measles should call their doctor's office or health care facility to make them aware of the chance of measles before seeking medical care to ensure they do not spread measles to others.
Vaccination even shortly before or after exposure may prevent the disease or lessen the symptoms in people who are infected with measles. Immune globulin given up to six days after exposure may prevent disease among susceptible or unvaccinated people at high risk for complications, such as pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems and children who are too young to be vaccinated.
Immunizations are 97% effective against measles. People born before 1957 are considered immune and protected from measles. People who have had two measles vaccinations (such as two MMR vaccines) are also considered immune and protected from measles.
The Auglaize County Health Department urged individuals who are not immunized against measles to get up to date on immunizations prior to exposure to measles. People who are unsure if they have received immunization against measles should check with their healthcare provider.
The Auglaize County Health Department does not provide testing or treatment for measles. Do not come to the health department or other facility if you suspect you have a measles infection. If you are experiencing symptoms, avoid contact with others and call your healthcare provider.
For questions, contact the Auglaize County Health Department at 419-738-3410.
