On Wednesday, health officials in Trumbull and Wayne counties each announced two confirmed cases of measles. Last week, the Ohio Department of Health announced a measles outbreak in the state amid cases in Ashtabula and Tuscarawas counties. On Tuesday, health officials in Geauga County announced five measles cases.
According to the Wayne County Health Department, both of their confirmed cases are "likely associated" with a previously announced measles exposure at Smokey Lane Stables in Sugarcreek on July 17.
"The individuals were exposed during the event and later developed symptoms consistent with measles," the department stated in a release. "Other people from other communities were also exposed and contracted measles at this event."
Wayne County health officials add that an additional "suspected case" is being investigated as of Wednesday afternoon.
"We are actively monitoring Wayne County residents who may have been exposed. We are asking residents to be aware of symptoms and to take precautions when seeking treatment," advised Wayne County Health Commissioner Nicholas Cascarelli. "Without a doubt, being vaccinated against the measles virus still offers the best protection. It is safe and it works."
The Ashtabula County Health Department identified three public locations as exposure sites when it announced two cases of measles on July 23. One site, Sugarcreek Stockyard, is located roughly a mile away from Smokey Lane Stables. The other two spots named were Hillcrest Hospital's Adult Emergency Department and Bloomfield Livestock Auction/Bloomfield Horse Sale.
The Trumbull County Combined Health District reports that the two cases there are unrelated and both individuals are unvaccinated against measles.
The Trumbull County Combined Health District said it is working with the Ohio Department of Health and Akron Children's Mahoning Valley Emergency Department to investigate potential exposures and identify anyone who may have been exposed.
According to the health district, one of the individuals visited the following locations while contagious:
The TCCHD said it is working with the Ohio Department of Health and Akron Children's Mahoning Valley Emergency Department to investigate potential exposures and identify anyone who may have been exposed.
Health officials said anyone who visited those locations and is not vaccinated against measles, is unsure of their vaccination status or has developed symptoms after possible exposure should contact a healthcare provider. The health district recommends that unvaccinated individuals monitor themselves for signs and symptoms of measles for 21 days after any possible exposure.
The Trumbull County Combined Health District also announced two upcoming measles vaccination clinics:
Symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a rash that typically develops three to five days after other symptoms begin.
Officials said measles is highly contagious and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. People can spread the virus from four days before a rash appears until four days after it develops.
Residents who believe they have measles are urged to stay home, avoid contact with others and call their healthcare provider before visiting a medical office or hospital so appropriate precautions can be taken.