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BARBOUR COUNTY – A measles case was confirmed in an unvaccinated Barbour County resident Tuesday, according to a release from the West Virginia Department of Health.
Information provided by State Health Officer Mark McDaniel said officials are working with the Barbour County Health Department on the case to identify contact tracing.
The Department of Health has not identified any evidence of widespread community exposure. Regardless, Barbour County clinicians have been notified and asked to monitor patients with symptoms that could resemble measles.
According to the release, West Virginia hasn't had any confirmed measles cases since April 2024.
The CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) said measles symptoms typically begin with high fever, cough, and pink eye. Symptoms usually appear within seven to 14 days after initial contact.
According to the CDC, white spots appear inside of the mouth. Also known as Koplik spots, they appear within the first two to three days. After three to five days, a rash spreads from the face to the feet. The rash consists of red spots and may be accompanied with a high fever.
The CDC has reported 2,318 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. as of July 23.
The WV Department of Health recommended children ages 12 to 15 months to receive the first measles vaccination with the second dose at ages four to six years old.
Adults born in or after 1957 are recommended to receive the measles vaccination as well as individuals in healthcare, college, or traveling internationally.
Two dosages taken 28 days apart are recommended for individuals 12 months and older.
The CDC reports that children younger than five years old, adults older than 20, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems are at risk of measles complications if unvaccinated.
Contact your local health department about any suspected symptoms or potential exposures.
The CDC reported a total of 13 confirmed measles cases in Ohio with no confirmed cases in Washington County. Immunizations are available at the Washington County Health Department, Marietta/Belpre Health Department, and the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department.
Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com