MANSFIELD, Ohio — Richland Public Health is reminding county residents that getting your MMR vaccination (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) is still the smart thing to do.
While there are no cases in Ohio associated with the ongoing measles outbreak that originated at Disneyland in California, Richland Public Health would like residents to review their immunization records.
Having experienced the measles outbreak that started in March and ended in August, 2014, Richland Public Health officials know well the tremendous efforts that must be taken to stop an outbreak from expanding. The California measles outbreak currently involves seven western states and 125 individuals, the majority in California. The Ohio outbreak last March involved 377 cases.
Measles is an acute, highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is easily spread. Symptoms of the measles usually appear in 7-18 days after exposure. 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. Measles can cause serious complications such as middle ear infections, eye infections, infections of the airways and lungs, dangerously high fever and even death.
Generally, if you were born before 1957 you are considered immune. “Adults born in 1957 or after should contact their medical provider and get vaccinated to protect themselves from this highly contagious virus,” said Health Commissioner at Richland Public Health Martin Tremmel. “Parents should review their children’s vaccination records to assure that they are up-to-date on their MMR vaccines,” Tremmel added.
For young children, ages 3 and 4, who have received one dose of the MMR vaccine, Richland Public Health is strongly recommending all children get two doses of the MMR vaccine. There is no need to wait until kindergarten to get the second dose — get it now.
Also, since children less than 6 months of age cannot be vaccinated, the Ohio Department of Health is recommending that parents not travel to those areas where there have been reported outbreaks.
Immunizations for adults and children are available by appointment through the Richland Public Health Clinic. Please call (419) 774-4700 to schedule an appointment. Immunizations are also available at Richland Public Health any Neighborhood Immunization Clinic; call 419-774-8115 for the schedule or visit www.richlandhealth.org.
Richland Public Health 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 at (419) 774-4700.
