The number of confirmed measles cases in Ohio has increased by a dozen since last reported Friday, with the total cases in Ohio now stands at 26, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
Knox County accounts for 73 percent of the cases at 19. In addition, cases were reported in the following counties: Ashland (4), Coshocton (1), Richland (1) and Wayne (1).
Health officials say the confirmed and probable cases are between the ages of 1 and 50 years. Of these cases, 11 cases are female and 15 cases are male. There were few hospitalizations, with most people recovering on their own.
The outbreak currently involves unvaccinated travelers to the Philippines, where there is currently a large outbreak of measles, as well as individuals they have come into contact with. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page.
Mumps is a viral illness spread from person to person through the air or by direct contact with saliva or infected droplets. Early symptoms usually begin 16 to 18 days after infection and are similar to those of the flu: fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Swelling of the cheek and jaw area (salivary glands) usually follows and is a classic symptom of mumps.
These recent cases serve as a good reminder to students, faculty, and staff to ensure that they’ve been fully immunized with two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) and to take simple preventive steps such as washing hands regularly and staying home if they’re sick.
