CLEVELAND — The Cuyahoga County Board of Health is monitoring what it is calling a measles outbreak in an unvaccinated household.
According to the CCBH, one child in the home has a confirmed case of the measles, and the other two children have "presumed probable" cases.
"I think the message to the public in terms of this outbreak is that there's minimal exposure to the public,” Dr. Prakash Ganesh, the Medical Director at CCBH, told News 5.
A presumed probable case means that the individual meets "the clinical criteria for a disease and has supportive or preliminary laboratory evidence, but lacks the definitive confirmatory lab results or testing performed in a certified setting," according to the CCBH.
The board of health didn't say what city the family resides in. Health officials said it's believed that the children were exposed to other children with the measles while traveling during the holidays.
"They've been following up with [doctors] and making sure that they are isolating and not spreading the infection during their infectious period,” Dr. Ganesh said.
Not only is CCBH urging parents to vaccinate their children, but local doctors are also sounding the alarm.
"Measles is really one of the most contagious diseases on the planet," said Dr. Claudia Hoyen.
Dr. Hoyen is a pediatrician and infectious disease physician at University Hospitals.
She says measles can spread quickly.
One unvaccinated person can infect upwards of 18 people who are not immune.
But two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine (MMR) are 97% effective against the disease.
“We know that the vaccines are safe and effective, and have done a really great job of people not understanding what measles really is because they've worked so well for so many years.," said Dr. Hoyen.
Last year, Ohio saw confirmed cases in eight counties.
Most cases—16—were in Ashtabula County.
Cuyahoga and Holmes counties in Northeast Ohio also saw cases.
The Ohio Department of Health Director, Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, held a press conference this afternoon, urging parents to trust their doctors.
"Your child’s doctor knows your child’s individual health care needs the best, and is well situated to help you and guide in making the best decision for your child.”
"It is critical to remind parents, grandparents, caregivers and those who operate facilities that serve children and families about the importance of vaccinations. Measles is a preventable illness, meaning that there is a dedicated vaccine available to stop children from contracting measles and becoming sick," the CCBH said.
CLICK HERE for more information from the CDC on the measles and the vaccine.
