Columbus, OH – A fifth case of measles has been reported in central ohio, Franklin County Public Health announced Wednesday. The case, identified in an unvaccinated child, follows a recent international trip and is unrelated to a smaller outbreak earlier this year in New Albany.
Health officials are working to identify any potential exposures, though currently, no public risk is believed to exist beyond a healthcare setting. This latest case comes as the United States experiences its highest measles case count as 1992, with nearly 1,600 cases reported in 42 states as of late September, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ohio previously declared an end to a separate measles outbreak in June.
Measles is a highly contagious disease characterized by fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. It can lead to serious complications, including brain swelling and neurological damage. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles will become infected.
Vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent measles.
