Measles Exposure at Ohio Airport Raises Concerns
In a concerning turn of events, it has been reported that more people may have been exposed to measles, this time at a busy airport in Ohio. Public health officials are now working diligently to track down those who may have been infected. The Ohio Department of Health recently announced the potential for measles exposure at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, specifically in Terminal A during certain times.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, travelers who were present in Terminal A on January 27 between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., as well as on January 29 between 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., may have been exposed to measles. This potential exposure is linked to a child from Montgomery County who was infected with the virus. The case was initially identified when the child was evaluated at Dayton Children’s Hospital in the main campus Emergency Department on January 29 and January 31.
Medical Director Becky Thomas from Public Health – Dayton and Montgomery County expressed concern about the potential widespread exposure, especially considering that Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport offers flights to 50 different destinations. Contact tracing is currently underway to identify individuals who were present in the same terminal during the specified times.
While the exact number of people who may be infected remains unknown, there is some good news. Through contact tracing efforts, Public Health has discovered that most of the individuals present at the airport during the potential exposure times have been vaccinated. This provides some reassurance, as vaccinations are crucial in preventing the spread of measles.
Megan Tigner, a Riverside mother of two, emphasized the importance of vaccinations in keeping children healthy. She stated, “It’s important because as a parent, you want to do what you can do to keep your kids as healthy as possible.” Tigner also expressed concern about the number of unvaccinated individuals in society today.
Medical Director Becky Thomas highlighted the recent measles outbreaks in the country, attributing them to a lack of vaccinations since the pandemic and increased travel. It is worth noting that measles was once considered eliminated nationwide in 2000. To address this issue, Public Health is offering walk-in measles vaccinations to anyone uncertain of their vaccination status or in need of a vaccine.
News Center 7 reached out to the health department for further information regarding the origin of the flight and the potential number of infected individuals. However, no response has been received as of yet.
The potential measles exposure at the Ohio airport serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccinations and the need to stay vigilant in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. While the situation is concerning, the efforts of public health officials in contact tracing and offering vaccinations provide hope for containing the potential outbreak. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed about their vaccination status and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others.
