Measles Preparedness

If you think you have measles symptoms and have been exposed, please call us before you come to the hospital or clinic. This helps us care for you while also protecting other patients, visitors, and staff.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Because measles is highly contagious, taking appropriate precautions when someone may have been exposed or may have symptoms is important to protect others.

The virus can stay in the air for 2 hours after a person with measles leaves the space and is so contagious that about 9 out of 10 people who come near a person with measles will also become infected, if not vaccinated.

Measles symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common symptoms include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red or watery eyes
• A red, blotchy rash

The rash usually starts 3 to 5 days after the other symptoms begin and often first appears on the face or hairline before spreading down the body. Small white spots may also appear inside the mouth.

Measles spreads through the air when an infection person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. It spreads very easily from person to person. A person with measles can spread the virus 4 days before the rash starts and 4 days after the rash starts.

If you were exposed, but do not have symptoms, please contact your local Public Health department AND watch for symptoms. If you have been exposed and start to have symptoms, call ahead to the hospital before arriving. (This will help reduce exposure to other patients, staff, and visitors.)

Please do not immediately walk into a waiting room or facility without calling first. This will help us reduce exposure to others while preparing to provide you with the care you need. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Make sure you share that you were exposed to measles and are having symptoms.

Make sure you call ahead before coming to LCHC. Our team will direct you to our nurse who will assess your symptoms and help determine your next step.

Yes, we are always here to care for you. If you think you have measles, we simply ask that you call before coming in. This will help us avoid further exposure while getting you the care you need.

Do not wait to get emergency care. If you have an emergency, call 911. If you think you may have measles or have been exposed, tell the emergency team about your symptoms and exposure. If you’re driving yourself to the Emergency Room, please call before arriving so we can be prepared.

The best way to prevent measles is to get the MMR vaccine, which protects again Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. Talk with your healthcare provider or Public Health if you’re not sure if you or a family member are up to date on the vaccine.

Talk with your healthcare provider or Public Health about your vaccination history. They can help you understand what vaccines you have had and which ones you may need.

If someone in your home has symptoms that may be measles:

• Keep that person away from family members who are not sick.
• Everyone in the home should stay home to avoid spreading measles to others.
• Call public health right away and tell them someone in your home may have measles.
• Follow the instructions they give you.

If someone who is sick is getting worse quickly, do not wait to seek care. Go to the emergency room if the person has:

• Trouble breathing or is breathing faster than normal
• Pain when breathing or coughing
• Signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth or nose, less urination, or crying without tears
• A fever or headache that will not stop
• Confusion, decreased alertness, or severe weakness
• Blue color around the mouth
• Low energy (or trouble eating in young children)

Please call before you arrive and tell the team you may have measles so they can prepare for your arrival.

If you are having a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Do not wait to get emergency care. If you have an emergency, call 911. If you think you may have measles or have been exposed, tell the emergency team about your symptoms and exposure. If you’re driving yourself to the Emergency Room, please call before arriving so we can be prepared.

LCHC is working closely with Lucas County Public Health to monitor and prepare for the situation. We have plans in place to safely care for patients who have suspected or confirmed measles while reducing risk to others. Our goal is to keep our patients, visitors, and staff safe while making sure everyone gets the care they need.

If you think you were exposed, contact Public Health and watch for symptoms. If symptoms develop, call before going to a healthcare facility.

Children should get 2 doses of the MMR vaccine.

• First dose: 12 – 15 months of age
• Second dose: 4-6 years of age

In some cases, the second dose can be given sooner.

The routine vaccine schedule starts at 12 months. However, during a measles outbreak, Public Health may recommend an MMR shot for babies 6 to 11 months old who are at higher risk.

If a baby gets an MMR shot before their first birthday, they will still need 2 more doses after their first birthday.

Talk with your child’s healthcare provider or Public Health if you have questions.

If your child has already received one MMR dose, Public Health may recommend an extra dose if your child is at increased risk during an outbreak.

If you are unsure what your child needs, talk with your child’s healthcare provider or Public Health.

Adults should have at least one documented dose of MMR if they do not have other proof they are protected. If you are not sure how many doses you have had or may need, talk with your healthcare provider.

First, try to find your vaccine records. If you cannot find proof that you received the MMR vaccine or other proof that you are protected, talk with your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated.

Yes, if you do not have protection against measles and have been exposed, talk with your healthcare provider right away.

Most insurance plans cover the MMR vaccine. Children who qualify may be able to receive vaccines at no cost through the Vaccines for Children program. Check with your healthcare provider for more information.

For more information, visit the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html