Measles, mumps outbreaks provide clear warnings
As summer camps, fairs, vacations and family picnics take you and your family away to many fun-filled places during the warm weather months, now is a good time to get vaccinated. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) reminds Ohioans that immunizations are the most effective way to prevent illness from vaccine-preventable diseases. The ongoing measles and mumps outbreaks in Ohio also serve as a reminder to all Ohioans that they should be up-to-date on immunizations.
“Activities that bring large groups of people together can accelerate the spread of these diseases,” said ODH State Epidemiologist Dr. Mary DiOrio. “When coming into close contact with sick individuals, immunizations can provide the protection you need to keep from getting ill.”
Given the on-going measles and mumps outbreaks, ODH recommends that Ohioans are familiar with the signs and symptoms of the diseases. Symptoms for measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, sore throat and a red rash appearing three to five days after the start of the symptoms. Symptoms of mumps include runny nose, cough and swelling of the salivary glands.
When individuals are fully vaccinated, the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97 percent effective in preventing the measles and 88 percent effective in preventing the mumps. Those who are not up-to-date on their immunizations should contact their healthcare provider or local health department and receive the MMR vaccine if there is no medical reason not to do so.
ODH and its 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.
Whether your summer plans include sending the kids to camp or traveling in or out of the country, please be aware that immunizations may be required to protect you and your children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
For more information about measles, mumps and other vaccine-preventable diseases, visit the ODH website at http://www.odh.ohio.gov/ or contact the Paulding County Health Department Nursing Staff @(419) 399-3921
Chronology
· May 2: ODH issues measles guidance to Ohio schools
· May 1: ODH posts to its website a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding measles
· May 1: ODH issues measles guidance to heath care providers
· May 1: Over 4,000 doses of vaccines have been ordered for the impacted areas of the state
· April 25: ODH orders vaccines for delivery to all counties that plan holding clinics either in confirmed areas or as a proactive approach
· April 25: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms Ohio’s measles cases
· April 24: ODH, the Ashland County-City Health Department, the Knox County Health Department and the Holmes County General Health District issue a joint press release with vaccine clinic information (dates, times, locations)
· April 24: ODH and its public health partners begin daily conference calls with CDC regarding measles
· April 24: ODH, Knox County Health Department and Holmes County General Health District issue a combined press release regarding a suspected measles outbreak
· April 23: ODH alerts Ohio hospitals about suspected measles cases in Knox and Holmes counties spread beyond the OSU campus and now is considered a community outbreak
· April 23: ODH is alerted about a possible measles outbreak starting in three Ohio counties
· April 2: ODH issues mumps guidance to healthcare providers and public health colleagues
· April 2: ODH, Franklin County Public Health, Columbus Public Health and Delaware General Health District coordinate efforts to alert the public that mumps cases have spread beyond the OSU campus and now is considered a community outbreak
· March 6: ODH is notified of seven suspected cases of mumps among students at The Ohio State University (OSU).
