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WARREN -- The Warren City Health District issued a news release Friday warning that individuals who were at the St. Joseph Warren Hospital emergency room or the ER waiting area on Aug. 23 could have been exposed to measles.
The release states that anyone who was there that day should monitor themselves for symptoms of measles for 21 days. The hospital is at 667 Eastland Ave.
"If you are experiencing symptoms, stay home, avoid contact with others and call your healthcare provider prior to your office visit, to inform them of your exposure to measles to ensure proper precautions," the release states.
Symptoms would likely appear between Sunday and Sept. 13 because of the disease's incubation period.
The health district issued new information Monday stating that, despite the Friday measles warning, "most people in our area have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the public is low. Warren residents that may have had possible exposures are being contacted by the local health department and are being advised to follow the guidelines set forth by Ohio Department of Health and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for possible measles exposures."
The health district also advised that, "Currently, there are no cases, either suspected, probable or confirmed, of reported measles in Warren City. The Warren City Health District's announcement shared on Aug. 28 was solely for the purpose of raising awareness."
It added Monday, "Currently, the Warren City Health District is working alongside the Trumbull County Combined Health District and following the guidelines set forth by the Ohio Department of Health to ensure the well-being of our residents."
The Friday news release gave the following information:
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. It spreads through the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes. It can stay in the air for two hours after a person with measles leaves the space.
Anyone who is not vaccinated is at risk of measles infection and severe complications, the release states.
Symptoms appear seven to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common symptoms include a high fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees); cough, runny nose, red and/or watery eyes; and rash (breaks out 3 to 5 days after symptoms begin).
If the person who is sick gets rapidly worse or has any of the symptoms listed below, take them to the emergency room of a hospital immediately, the release states: Trouble breathing (or breathing faster than normal); pain when breathing or coughing; dehydration (dry nose and mouth, urinating less, crying without making tears); fever or headache that will not stop; confusion, decreased alertness or severe weakness; blue color around the mouth, low energy or difficulty feeding (for young children).
The release notes that the MMR vaccination is the best way to prevent measles and its complications.
For those who cannot or prefer not to get vaccinated, risk of measles infection and severe illness during an outbreak is much higher. Recognizing measles and getting appropriate medical care is important to help prevent spread of the virus and to prevent severe complications, Friday's release states.