By 1808Delaware
Columbus Public Health is monitoring an outbreak of measles in central Ohio.
A highly contagious infectious disease caused by measles virus, measles is highly contagious; it is an airborne disease which spreads easily from one person to the next through the coughs and sneezes of infected people. It can be prevented, however, through a safe and highly effective vaccine.
The problem is that a relatively small amount of people have received it.
Since the outbreak began at the beginning of November, there have been 46 known cases known by Columbus Public Health and affiliated agencies. Of those 46 cases, 19 have been hospitalized and there have been no deaths to date.
The very young are particularly vulnerable. A total of 54% of cases in this outbreak have been aged one or two.
Columbus Public Health has created a list of three recent exposure sites identified during the measles outbreak. These are places that confirmed measles cases visited while contagious with measles.
One of these locations is in Delaware County – the Macy’s and JCPenney stores at Polaris Fashion Place Mall on Friday, November 25 from 6:30 to 10:30 PM. Other sites listed were the Meijer at 6175 Sawmill Road and Jesus Power Assembly Power of God, 5215 Cleveland Avenue.
According to Columbus Public Health, if you were at one of these locations during these times – and you are unvaccinated, you are urged to watch for signs and symptoms of measles and contact your health care provider if you are sick. You can develop symptoms up to 21 days after exposure.
