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Stark County resident contracts state's first measles case since 2017

The health department says the patient is a young adult from Stark County.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department on Health has confirmed the state's first measles case of 2019.

The department says the patient is an unvaccinated young adult from Stark County who recently traveled to a state with confirmed measles cases. Additional information on the patient has not been released.

This is Ohio's first measles case since 2017, according to the department of health.

Twenty-eight U.S. states have reported measles cases, some of which are reporting measles outbreaks. Ohio's last measles outbreak was in 2014 with 382 confirmed cases.

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Department of Health Director Amy Acton reminded the public of the importance of vaccinations in a news release issued Friday.

"Vaccinations save lives, period. I urge everyone who can, to get vaccinated,” Acton said. “Vaccination is the safest, most effective way to prevent serious vaccine-preventable diseases in children and adults, including measles.”

WKYC also spoke with University Hospitals Dr. Amy Edwards, who said noted that measles is highly contagious.

Health experts like Edwards also say when a large group of people are vaccinated, it creates a wall or barrier that protects others.

"For every thousand kids that get sick, one child Is going to die and one child is going to get brain damage, why would you take that risk with your child? It’s something I really never understood," she said.

New York City has recorded more than 600 cases this year. Back in 2014, there were 383 cases in Ohio Amish communities, which had low vaccination rates. As for Stark County’s case, Edwards says it’s likely the patient will be treated at a hospital and advised to stay home to limit exposure.

Measles symptoms include a rash, high fever, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite and red, watery eyes. The rash usually lasts five to six days, beginning at the hairline and moving to the face and upper neck before proceeding down the body. Patients may also experience diarrhea and ear infection.

The CDC says two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective. Edwards says for those with questions or concerns about the vaccine, communication is key and you should ask your doctor.

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