Neighboring counties report measles cases

A measles case identified in a patient who visited WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital’s emergency department has prompted a local exposure warning.

The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department issued an alert Tuesday after learning that an individual who was in the emergency department Saturday, Oct. 17, tested positive for the virus.

The individual is not a resident of Ohio County or West Virginia. Health officials declined to release additional information, citing privacy concerns.

Hospital and health department personnel are contacting patients and employees identified as potentially exposed and providing instructions on precautions to take.

Meanwhile, the Tuscarawas County Health Department reported 14 confirmed measles cases as of 3:30 p.m. Monday. Cases range in age from 1 to 40, and 86% of those infected are unvaccinated.

Tuscarawas County also has identified a second case involving a person fully vaccinated against measles for their age. Although infection after vaccination is uncommon, breakthrough cases can occur, particularly during widespread transmission. Vaccinated people who contract measles generally experience milder illness and are less likely to develop serious complications.

The health departments emphasized the importance of vaccination, particularly for people who have not received the recommended two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. People who received only one dose also may be susceptible.

Measles spreads through airborne particles released when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

Symptoms generally develop seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever, coughing, a runny nose and red, watery eyes. A rash typically appears afterward, beginning on the face or head and spreading downward. An infected person can transmit measles beginning four days before the rash develops and continuing for four days afterward.

Anyone who suspects exposure should contact a medical provider before visiting a doctor's office, hospital or other health care facility to avoid potentially exposing others.

Residents unsure of their vaccination history are encouraged to review their records and consult a health care provider about whether another dose is appropriate. Uninsured Ohio County residents may obtain the vaccine through the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department.

Ohio County residents with questions about potential exposure can contact the department at 304-234-3682. Updates on the Tuscarawas County outbreak are available at tchdnow.org/measles.