Health Department Discusses Measles Outbreak

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – One case of the measles has been confirmed in Ohio, and the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department discussed why it’s important to get vaccinated.

Health Department Medical Director, Dr. Jack Butterfield, said vaccination is the best protection for the measles. With the vaccine being 93 percent effective after one dose, and 97 percent effective after two doses for prevention. Measles remains common in other countries so anyone who is not protected against it is at risk for infection when traveling internationally.

“We live in a society where we have international travel. We have many nations that have ongoing measles epidemics because they don’t have a national vaccination program,” Dr. Butterfield said.

“Here at the Health Department, we do travel advice for people. And we’ve had people this year go to all those countries, so we always encourage the measles mumps rubella vaccine,” he added.

The measles is highly contagious and is easily spread through coughing and sneezing. Measles begin with a fever, coughing, or sore throat. Then it is followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Ultimately it can cause serious health complications, but most commonly ear infections and pneumonia.

“It is probably the most infectious viral disease that we have that’s preventable. What do I mean by that, if you are in a room with someone with measles and you have not been vaccinated, there’s a 90 percent chance that you will get measles from that person,” he said.

To get vaccinated, contact the Health Department or your healthcare provider.