Local public health officials are growing concerned about a measles outbreak in Columbus, Ohio, which has sickened more than a dozen unvaccinated kids, with nine admitted to hospitals. They are now seeking assistance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help stop the spread of the disease.
Kelli Newman, the spokesperson for Columbus Public Health, told CNN via email that two epidemiologists from the CDC will be helping with the local investigation at the end of the month.
The CDC confirmed on Thursday, November 17, that it is aware of the cases, and the agency is deploying a small team to Ohio to assist with the investigation on the ground.
Measles cases growing in Columbus
CDC spokesperson Kristen Nordlund said that health authorities on the state and local levels are in the process of notifying residents potentially exposed to measles. They want to ensure these people are vaccinated and help any community member who may have been exposed to measles understand the signs and symptoms of infection.
She added that anyone who may have been exposed to measles should follow up with their healthcare provider. When the measles outbreak was first reported last week in Ohio, only four confirmed cases in one child-care facility, which temporarily closed, had been identified. However, the number of measles cases and facilities involved has since grown, according to Gizmodo.
Columbus Public Health officials updated their investigation on Friday morning to include 19 confirmed cases. More cases are suspected at two schools and ten daycare centers. Newman said that all cases are in unvaccinated children, and all but one are less than four years old. He added that one case is a child who is six years old.
Health officials with Franklin County Public Health and Columbus Public Health have been investigating these cases. They are tracing any contacts who may have been exposed to measles.
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Parents advised to get their kids vaccinated
Columbus Public Health officials are encouraging parents to ensure their kids' immunizations are updated, including the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Health experts recommend that kids receive the said vaccine in two doses. Children must take the first one between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 and 6 years old.
One dose is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles if you come into contact with the virus, while two doses are about 97 percent effective. Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts issued a news release last week, saying that they are working diligently with the cases to identify potential exposures and notify people who were exposed.
She added that the most important thing you can do to protect against measles is to get vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, which is safe and highly effective.
