Columbus, Ohio, is facing a measles outbreak, and hospitals have been running on high alert. There are 80 kids who have been diagnosed with measles in the past week.
Out of these 80 kids, about 30 are hospitalized due to more severe health conditions. However, there has been no death reported which shows that the state hospitals are performing their duty wonderfully.
Most of the kids who have measles are unvaccinated or are not eligible for vaccination.
The measles outbreak has caught the town for a very long period this time, and health experts say they aren’t sure how long this outbreak will be.
According to Columbus Public Health officials, the outbreak started in the last week of October, and the first case was detected in November.
Of the kids who have measles, 74 of them are not vaccinated. Further, four other children are partially vaccinated, which makes the situation worse because if they had been vaccinated, then they might not have been admitted to the hospital.
In these cases, there is a lack of responsibility from the parent’s side as most of the children are eligible to get vaccine shots, but their negligence has impacted their children’s health.
Measles is one of the contagious diseases which has flu-like symptoms and different-looking rash on the body.
The symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash consisting of red, raised spots appears on the face and spreads down the body a few days after the onset of these symptoms.
Measles can also cause complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, particularly in young children and people with weakened immune systems.
Health officials are encouraging the residents to get their children vaccinated against measles to prevent the further spread of the disease.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles and is safe for most people.
Children should receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age and a second dose at 4-6 years of age.
In addition to getting vaccinated, people can also help prevent the spread of measles by washing their hands frequently. Further covering their mouths and noses when sneezing or coughing and staying home if they are sick can also help.
Health officials are working tirelessly to contain the measles outbreak in Columbus, Ohio, and have implemented several measures to prevent the further spread of the disease.
These measures include identifying and isolating individuals who have been exposed to measles, providing vaccination clinics for those who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, and educating the public about the importance of vaccination.
Despite these efforts, the measles outbreak in Columbus, Ohio, remains a serious concern. Health officials are spreading awareness regarding vaccination and taking precautions to prevent the further spread of the disease.
It is important for everyone to do their part in helping to protect themselves and their communities from the spread of measles and other infectious diseases.