Breaking News: Measles Outbreak in Butler County, Ohio: What You Need to Know about Protecting Yourself and Others

In Butler County, Ohio, health officials have reported a case of measles in an infant less than a year old. The child contracted the disease through international travel, arriving in the United States via a Chicago-area airport before traveling to Ohio by car. No further details about the affected individual have been provided by the Butler County General Health District (BCGHD), but they are working to notify close contacts of their exposure status.

If you receive a call from BCGHD, it is important to take action to protect yourself and others from getting measles. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can cause fever, runny nose, cough, and rash. There is no specific treatment for the disease, but vaccination is key to protecting against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

In the United States, the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine is typically administered at 12 months of age. However, if you are traveling abroad or at risk of exposure during an outbreak, your healthcare provider may recommend giving it earlier. Children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose at 4-6 years of age. It’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about your vaccination status and any concerns you may have about getting measles or other vaccine-preventable diseases.

If you are experiencing symptoms of measles or unsure of your vaccination status