WQIO Ohio's Super Station
Knox Public Health is notifying residents of a confirmed case of measles in a person currently residing in Knox County.
According to a news release issued August 11, the laboratory-confirmed case was identified on August 3, 2026. The individual has since completed the required isolation period.
Knox Public Health is working with the Ohio Department of Health and the individual’s healthcare provider to identify people who may have been exposed.
The health department says identified contacts will be notified and provided guidance regarding quarantine.
Health officials are reminding residents that measles is highly contagious. The virus can spread to other people even before an infected person develops symptoms, and the virus can remain in the air for as long as two hours after an infected person has left a room. Symptoms generally develop seven to 14 days after exposure, although they can take as long as 21 days to appear.
Symptoms can include:
- High fever, which can reach 103 to 105 degrees
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Pink or red, watery eyes
- A red or brown blotchy rash
The rash typically begins on the face before spreading to the trunk and extremities. Knox Public Health says symptoms and the rash generally subside within seven to nine days.
According to information included in the health department’s release, measles can lead to serious complications. About one in five people who contract measles may be hospitalized, while approximately one in 1,000 develops encephalitis, or brain swelling, which can result in brain damage. The release also states that one to three people out of every 1,000 who contract measles may die, even with the best available care.
Vaccination Recommended
Knox Public Health is encouraging residents to check their vaccination records and speak with a healthcare provider if they are unvaccinated or aren’t sure whether they have received the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of MMR vaccine, with the first dose typically given between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between ages four and six. Older children, adolescents and adults without evidence of immunity may also need one or two doses, depending on their circumstances.
The CDC says two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, while one dose is about 93% effective.
Knox Public Health says the MMR vaccine is considered safe and effective, with hundreds of millions of doses administered. Residents can contact their medical provider or the Knox County Community Health Center at 740-399-8008 with questions about measles or MMR vaccination or to schedule an appointment.
What to Do if You Develop Symptoms
Health officials are asking anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles to stay home and avoid contact with other people.
People who believe they may have measles are also being asked to call their healthcare provider before going to a medical facility.
Knox Public Health specifically advises residents not to walk into a healthcare waiting room without first contacting staff, because an infected person could expose others.
The health department says additional information and updates are available through Knox Public Health.
At this time, the health department’s release does not identify the individual, disclose where the person was while infectious, or report any additional confirmed cases. The focus of the ongoing response is identifying potential contacts and connecting people who may have been exposed with appropriate guidance and vaccination opportunities.
