CXOLUMBUS – Columbus Public Health is currently investigating 46 confirmed cases of measles in central Ohio, all among unvaccinated children, prompting health leaders to urge parents to get their kids vaccinated.
Health Commissioner Mysheika Roberts told reporters Wednesday that the city is experiencing “community spread” of the disease, which is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Columbus Public Health says individuals known to be suffering from measles were at three locations over the past few weeks and urge any unvaccinated people who were also at those locations during the listed times to watch for symptoms of measles and to go their health care provider if they are sick
- Meijer, 6175 Sawmill Road – Saturday, 11/19/22 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
- Jesus Power Assembly of God, 5215 Cleveland Ave. – Sunday, 11/20/22 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Polaris Mall – Macy’s & JCPenney stores, 1500 Polaris Parkway – Friday, 11/25/22 from 6:30-10:30 p.m. (The case did not visit the food court or children’s play area.)
Symptoms of measles, which can include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, appear seven to 21 days after contact with the virus and a rash typically appears three to five days later.
One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective at preventing measles and two doses is 97% effective at preventing measles, Roberts said.
Any child 12 months of age or older who has not been vaccinated with MMR should receive a vaccination at one of Columbus Public Health’s walk-in clinics or from their health care provider, she said.
Anyone with questions can call 614-645-1519.