For the first time in two years, an Ohio resident has a confirmed case of the measles.
State Health Director Dr. Amy Acton says a young adult in Stark County in Canton likely contracted the virus after traveling to another state with active measles cases.
The contagious virus can spread quickly via coughs and sneezes and generally lives for up to two hours in the open air. Its symptoms include a rash that starts on a person's face and neck and spreads over their body, along with a fever, cough and eye irritation.
Currently, more than two dozen states across the country are fighting measles outbreaks representing at least 700 cases — the highest number in decades. Ohio had its last outbreak of measles in 2014 when 382 people, mostly living in Amish communities, came down with the virus.
People carrying measles are often contagious days before showing symptoms and continue spreading the virus for up to four days after a rash appears.
Acton urged Ohioans to get vaccinated against the virus if they are not already.
“Vaccinations save lives, period. I urge everyone who can to get vaccinated,” she said in a statement. “Vaccination is the safest, most effective way to prevent serious vaccine-preventable diseases in children and adults, including measles.”
