Local News WMRN

Local News WMRN

 

Marion Public Health's Measles Prevention Efforts

Because of the recent outbreak of Measles reported in Columbus and Franklin County, Marion Public Health is focusing on Measles prevention and education efforts in our community. All the cases were unvaccinated and have no history of international travel.

Measles is a very serious and contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads easily in the air by coughing and sneezing and can result in hospitalization. People can spread Measles before they show symptoms.

The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective. Marion Public Health will be offering a walk-in MMR clinic on Tuesday, November 22nd from 3:30-6:30 at the health department located at 181 S. Main Street. The CDC recommends that children get one dose at each of the following ages: 12 through 15 months and 4 years of age through 6 years of age. Please bring insurance or medical cards but no eligible child will be turned away due to no insurance. 

It is important for parents, schools, and childcare centers to know the signs and symptoms of Measles and know what to do if a child in your center shows these symptoms: fever, runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes), tiny white spots inside the mouth, rash all over the body. Marion Public Health encourages parents and guardians to contact their health care provider if their child has any measles symptoms. In order to prevent potential spread, please keep children out of school or daycare and away from children under 6 who may not be vaccinated until the provider has diagnosed the child.

Schools and childcare centers should require children in their care to be up to date on all required vaccinations, including MMR and keep an updated roster of children in your care. Parents are encouraged to speak with their health care provider to make sure their child’s MMR vaccines are up to date.

To learn more about Measles visit www.cdc.gov/measles


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