Ohio measles outbreak closes in on 300 cases

The number of measles cases reported in Ohio has risen by another dozen in one day, bringing the total close to 300 cases. The Ohio Department of Health is reporting 298 cases in the Buckeye State, exceedingly more cases than anywhere else in the country.

Measles virus
Image/CDC

The epicenter of Knox County is recording 187 cases, or 63 percent of the total number. This newest report follows Governor John Kasich’s signing of Executive Order 2014-04K , which will allow licensed pharmacists to administer the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to individuals 18 years and older.

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 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.

There is no specific treatment for measles.  People with measles need bed rest, fluids, and control of fever.  Patients with complications may need treatment specific to their problem. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page