The number of measles cases in Franklin County continues to climb. Columbus Public Health director Dr. Mysheika Roberts says there have been 46 cases, 18 in daycare and schools. Contact tracers have also identified three sites of public exposure:
- Meijer grocery on Sawmill Road Saturday, November 19th
- Jesus Power Assembly of God church on Cleveland Avenue Sunday, November 20
- Polaris Macy's and JCPenny stores Friday, November 25th
All of the children affected were unvaccinated, and 19 have been hospitalized. The measles virus is extremely contagious, but Roberts says the vaccine is highly effective.
"If you have a child who is 12 months of age or older, and has not received their MMR vaccine - please make every effort you can do to get them vaccinated this week."
Measles can cause a high fever and red, blotchy rash and is accompanied by cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, sore throat, and loss of appetite.
This is the first measles outbreak in Ohio since 2014, which saw 382 confirmed measles cases.
