Richland Public Health is encouraging residents to get vaccinated with the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine due to an increasing number of diagnosed cases of measles in several Ohio counties, including Richland County.
Richland Public Health has scheduled a measles vaccination clinic for Butler Township on Thursday, June 5. The clinic will be in the Adario Town Hall, 6183 Olivesburg-Fitchville Road, Shiloh, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
MMR vaccine administered at this clinic, the Richland Public Health Clinic and all Neighborhood Immunization Clinics will be free of charge.
Richland Public Health is reporting that there still is one confirmed case in Richland County along with two probable cases and 13 suspected cases. Ashland County is reporting 19 confirmed cases. Statewide there are 143 confirmed cases ranging in age from two weeks old (infant is hospitalized) to 53 years old.
MMR vaccine is available regularly through Richland Public Health Neighborhood Immunization Clinics and the Richland Public Health Clinic, 555 Lexington Ave., Mansfield. To schedule a clinic appointment call 419-774-4700. The Neighborhood Immunization Clinics schedule is available online at www.richlandhealth.org or by calling the hotline at 419-774-8115 for dates, times and locations. No appointments are needed at Neighborhood Immunization Clinics.
Measles is an acute, highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is easily spread. Symptoms of the measles usually appear in 7-21 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, pink eye and a rash. The disease is highly contagious and can be transmitted from four days prior to the onset of the rash to four days after the onset. Anyone who is not immunized and gets exposed to the disease has a high likelihood of getting ill, which may lead to serious consequences.
Generally, if you were born before 1957 you are considered immune. “At this time, unvaccinated children and adolescents should contact their medical provider or the health department, and get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from this highly contagious virus,” said Martin Tremmel, Health Commissioner at Richland Public Health. “Parents should review their children’s vaccination records to assure that they are up-to-date on their MMR vaccines,” Tremmel said.
Local public health partners support the vaccine recommendations set forth by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and CDC. These recommendations include vaccination schedules for when individuals (children and adults) should receive their vaccinations
The CDC also recommends that all travelers be up-to-date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Richland Public Health has an International Travel Immunization program available by appointment through the clinic by calling 419-774-4700.
Information about measles and clinics is available by calling Public Health Nursing at 419-774-4540. For more information about measles, visit the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov