Free measles clinics scheduled as disease continues to spread

Richland Public Health is continuing to encourage residents to get vaccinated with the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine due to the continuation of cases of measles in several Ohio counties, including Richland County.

Richland Public Health has several measles clinics scheduled throughout July. All MMR vaccine administered at these clinics is free of charge. Here is the list of clinics:

July 9  Shelby City Hall, 43 W. Main St., Shelby, 9:30 a.m. – noon (with the Shelby Health Department )and 1:30 – 3 p.m.

July 15    Shenandoah Christian Church, 5642 State route 13 N, Shenandoah, 9 – 11:30 a.m.

                Madison Library, 1395 Grace St., Madison, 1:30 – 3 p.m.

July 28  Richland Public Health, 555 Lexington Ave., Mansfield, 4 – 7 p.m.

July 30  Richland Public Health (Teen Clinic), Mansfield, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

In addition, free 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, nearly 800 doses of MMR have been given by Richland Public Health since the outbreak began on March 24.

Richland Public Health is reporting 19 confirmed cases of measles in Richland County along with six suspected cases. Statewide there are 365 confirmed cases in nine counties, ranging in age from under six months old to 53 years old. There are currently 10 hospitalizations in those nine counties associated with cases of measles. None of the Richland County cases have been hospitalized.

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.

While the number of measles cases appears to have leveled off in many counties, new cases continue to be reported in Ashland, Coshocton and Holmes counties. Health officials are warning that this is a “cautionary period” for the spread of measles with summer travel that includes public gatherings in many of the measles infected areas. 

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 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.