Knox Public Health is issuing a Health Alert Network (HAN) alert to inform clinicians, public health officials, and community members about the current measles outbreak in Knox County.
As of April 14, 2025, there are now a total of 20 confirmed cases, 13 of which are Ohio residents, linked to the initial case of measles in Knox County. 14 of the cases have completed their isolation periods, and six (6) remain active. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can spread rapidly among unvaccinated individuals. With the spring and summer travel season approaching, Knox Public Health urges healthcare providers to remain vigilant, promptly identify potential cases, and reinforce measles prevention strategies, including vaccination. The risk of widespread measles in the United States remains low due to strong immunization and surveillance programs; however, staying up to date on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is essential, particularly for international travelers.
Background
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that typically begins with fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (pink eye), lasting 2-4 days before rash onset. Measles can cause severe health complications. Including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The measles virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two (2) hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Infected people are contagious from four (4) days before the rash starts through four (4) days afterward. The incubation period for measles, from exposure to fever, is usually about 7-10 days, and from exposure to rash onset, it is usually about 10-14 days (with a range of 7 to 21 days).
- Talk to your doctor about the MMR vaccine. Two (2) doses of MMR vaccine provide better protection (97%) against measles than one dose (93%). Ensure all household members are up to date with their vaccinations.
- If you plan to travel internationally, check your destination and the CDC's Global Measles Travel Health Notice for more travel health advice, including to countries where measles outbreaks have been reported.
- Isolate Immediately: The suspected infected person should stay home and avoid contact with others, especially Infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
- Contact Healthcare Provider: Notify a healthcare provider immediately and inform them of symptoms, travel history, and vaccination status. Call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility.
- Monitor Symptoms: Watch for fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that typically starts on the face and spreads. Symptoms appear 7-14 days after exposure.
- Prevent Further Spread: Ensure proper hand hygiene, disinfect surfaces, and encourage vaccination among unvaccinated individuals.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can be spread from individual to individual even before symptoms appear.
Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after a person comes in contact with it, but they can take as long as 21 days in some cases.
Symptoms include:
• High fever (potentially up to 103-105 degrees)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Pink/red or watery eyes
• Red/brown blotchy rash that starts in your face/head and works down your body.
Rashes and other symptoms typically subside within 7-9 days.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children get two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.
Anyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before traveling. Infants 6-11 months old should get one dose of the MMR vaccine before travel and receive two additional doses after their first birthday. Older children, adolescents, and adults should receive one or two doses of MMR vaccine if they do not have evidence of immunity. If you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, your chances of getting measles are very low. After two doses, the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, about one out of every five people who get measles will be hospitalized. One out of every 1,000 people with measles will develop brain swelling due to infection (encephalitis), which may lead to brain damage. One to three out of 1,000 people with measles will die, even with the best care.
Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccination if you are unvaccinated or do not know if you are vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective with hundreds of millions of doses given. Please get in touch with your medical provider or Knox County Community Health Center at 740.399.8008 if you have questions about measles, or the MMR vaccination, or would like to schedule a vaccination appointment.
If you have symptoms, stay home, avoid contact with others, and call your healthcare provider. Please do not show up in the waiting room without contacting the staff first in case you are contagious.
- For more information and updates, visit Knox Public Health’s website at: https://www.knoxhealth.com/index.php.
- For more information about measles, visit https://www.cdc.gov/measles/
- Call the Knox Community Hospital Nurse Help Line 740.393.9033 for guidance about measles or vaccination.
- If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.