Ohio measles cases nearly double in past week, 155 reported
The measles outbreak that began in Knox County, Ohio with unvaccinated Amish travelers to the Philippines has hit 155 cases, nearly doubling during the past week, according to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).
Last Friday, the number of cases reported in the Buckeye State was 83. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page.
Measles rash
Image/CDC
Knox County continues to account for the bulk of the cases with 100. Other counties recording measles in this outbreak include Ashland (23), Coshocton (11), Holmes (19), and Richland and Wayne both reporting single cases.
ODH and local health departments are encouraging residents to get vaccinated with the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says from Jan1 to May 16, there has been 216 cases reported from 18 states.
Measles or rubeola, is an acute highly communicable viral disease that is characterized by Koplik spots in the cheek or tongue very early in the disease. A couple of days later a red blotchy rash appears first on the face, and then spreads, lasting 4-7 days. Other symptoms include fever, cough and red watery eyes. The patient may be contagious from four days prior to the rash appearance to four days after rash appearance.
The disease is more severe in infants and adults. Complications from measles which is reported in up to 20% of people infected include; seizures, pneumonia, deafness and encephalitis.
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