Measles

About measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be dangerous, especially for young children. At Lorain County Public Health (LCPH), we want you to have accurate information to protect yourself and your family. Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Being in the same airspace as someone with measles can lead to infection for people unprotected.

Why is LCPH concerned?

LCPH is concerned because measles spreads quickly, especially among children who are not up-to-date on their vaccines or not yet old enough to get the MMR vaccine. There is concern that the spread of measles will continue in the US and Ohio. We’re actively monitoring the situation to protect people in Lorain County, Ohio.

How measles spreads

Measles is spread through the air and can stay in a room for up to 2 hours after the sick person leaves, including in air and on surfaces.
You can get measles by being in the same airspace as an infected person. If one person has measles, up to 90% of the people around them who are not protected (by vaccination or prior infection) will also get measles.
People with measles are contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears.

Prevent measles

The best way to prevent measles is to get the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine - also called a MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. Contact your doctor or call Lorain County Public Health at 440-284-3206 with questions about measles or to get the MMR vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommends that children get two doses of a MMR vaccine:

1st dose at 12-15 months of age
2nd dose at 4-6 years of age

Teens and adults should also be up-to-date on MMR vaccinations.

Wondering what vaccines you or your child needs?

Get your vaccine record (no cost)

Symptoms

Symptoms typically appear 7-21 days after exposure and include:

Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Rash (starts on the face and spreads down the body)
Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)

If you or your child have these symptoms and you’ve recently traveled to where a measles outbreak is happening or spent time with people from that region, call your doctor. Stay home and avoid visitors until you’ve seen a doctor.