Richland Public Health is encouraging residents to get vaccinated with the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine due to the recently diagnosed cases of measles in six Ohio counties, including Richland County.
Richland Public Health has eight measles clinics scheduled for June. All MMR vaccine administered at these clinics is free of charge. Here is the list of clinics:
June 4
1) Lucas Village Offices, 101 E. First St., Lucas 9 – 11:30 a.m.
2) Mifflin Township Fire Department, 2326 Park Ave. East, Mansfield 1 – 3 p.m.
June 5
3) Adario Town Hall, 6183 Olivesburg-Fitchville Road, Adario 3 – 6 p.m.
June 11
4) Shelby City Hall, 43 W. Main St., Shelby 9:30 a.m. – noon
(with the Shelby Health Department) and 1:30 – 6 p.m.
June 18
5) Shiloh Village Hall, 13 W. Main St., Shiloh 9 – 11:30 a.m.
6) Plymouth Library Meeting Room, 29 W. Broadway, Plymouth 1:30 – 3 p.m.
June 25
7) Springfield Township Fire Station, 3700 Park Ave. West, Ontario 9 – 11:30 a.m.
8) New Community Temple Church, 338 Harker St., Mansfield 1:30 – 3 p.m.
In addition, MMR vaccine is available on a walk-in basis (no appointment needed) at Richland Public Health. Vaccine shots will be given in the Nursing Division Hall, lower level, at 555 Lexington Ave., Mansfield. To date, more than 500 doses of MMR vaccine have been given by Richland Public Health since the outbreak began on March 24.
Richland Public Health is reporting five confirmed cases of measles in Richland County along with 21 suspected cases. Statewide there are 206 confirmed cases in six counties, ranging in age from two weeks old to 58 years old. Seven individuals have been hospitalized, including the two-week old infant.
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 can have serious consequences, including brain damage in children, cornea damage that may cause blindness, and death.
“Parents should review their children’s vaccination records to assure that they are up-to-date on their MMR vaccines,” said Martin Tremmel, Health Commissioner at Richland Public Health.
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. Generally, if you were born prior to 1957 you are considered immune. “Adults born in 1957 or later should contact their medical provider and get vaccinated to protect themselves from this highly contagious virus,” Tremmel added.
Local public health partners support the vaccine recommendations set forth by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) 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 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.