Pike County Reports 20 More Confirmed Measles Cases, Total Reaches 22

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The Pike County General Health District in Waverly is reporting 20 additional confirmed cases of measles in Pike County, bringing the total to 22 confirmed cases and 2 suspected cases.

The district announced the new cases on Friday, October 23, and said contact tracing for the cases is complete, including identifying potential exposures, notifying contacts, and giving guidance to people who may have been exposed.

People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after it begins. The day the rash first appears counts as Day 0, and people with measles should stay isolated through Day 4. People with severely weakened immune systems can stay contagious longer and need extra precautions.

Measles symptoms can include high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash. Symptoms usually develop 7 to 14 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days to appear.

Anyone showing symptoms that could be measles should avoid contact with others and contact a healthcare provider right away. Call ahead before arriving at a medical facility and explain that you may have measles or have been exposed, so staff can take precautions to protect other patients.

The district says vaccination is the best protection against measles. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles.

Residents who need a vaccination or are not sure of their vaccination status can contact the Pike County General Health District at (740) 947-7721. Vaccinations are available through the health district, and arrangements can be made for visits at another location for residents who have difficulty coming to the office.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles should contact their healthcare provider or the health district as soon as possible for guidance.

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