SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — Contract tracing is underway after Summit County Public Health (SCPH) in Akron says they're investigating a single case of measles that was confirmed "in an unvaccinated individual."
“Our communicable disease staff is working diligently to identify and notify any potential exposures,” says Donna Skoda, SCPH Health Commissioner.
SCPH says measles spreads easily by coughing, talking or being in the same room with someone who has it.
"Initial symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes followed by a rash that typically spreads from the head to the rest of the body," according to a press release from SCPH. "It generally takes eight to 12 days from exposure to someone with measles to the first symptom, which is usually fever. The measles rash usually appears two to three days after the fever begins."
Those with measles symptoms are urged to contact their doctor or clinic.
"Please remember to call your provider ahead of time to let them know about your symptoms and potential exposure to measles before going into the office or urgent care facility," SCPH says.
To protect yourself against measles, SCPH says the most important thing you can do is get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine as "90 percent of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles will become infected."
MMR vaccinations are offered at SCPH. You can call 330-375-2772 to make an appointment.
Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated health story on April 19, 2023.