Latest news with #BrandonFischer
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New measles vaccine guidance permits MMR for some infants
Apr. 15—LIMA — Infants who are exposed to measles before they are old enough for vaccination may get vaccinated early, according to new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC now recommends children as young as six months old who have been exposed to measles through travel to a community with an active measles outbreak may be vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella. Allen County Public Health confirmed the county's first measles case in an unvaccinated resident under the age of 18 on March 28 — the first case reported in Allen County in at least 25 years. Health Commissioner Brandon Fischer said Allen County is not considered to be part of an active outbreak, as the health department has not confirmed any additional cases as of Tuesday afternoon. "That speaks to how well vaccination ... provided protection" for people exposed to measles, Fischer said. The updated guidance only applies to children who are too young for their first dose of the MMR vaccine who have traveled to a community with an active measles outbreak. Infants are most at risk for severe illness from measles, but their immune systems are not fully responsive to the MMR vaccine, which is why the CDC recommends children obtain their first dose of the MMR vaccine between the ages of 12 and 15 months, Fischer said. Children should get their second dose of the MMR vaccine before they enter kindergarten, typically between the ages of 4 to 6 years old, to further boost their immune system. One dose of the MMR vaccine provides 93% protection, while two doses of the vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles. Fischer said children who obtain their MMR vaccine before their first birthday should still follow the normal vaccine schedule between 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years old for full protection. The highly contagious virus was once believed to be eliminated from the U.S., but declining immunization rates have led to a resurgence of measles. Health officials have confirmed more than 700 measles cases in the U.S. this year, with the largest outbreaks concentrated in West Texas and New Mexico. Smaller outbreaks are confirmed in Kansas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, with the nearest outbreaks located in Allen County, Indiana, and Knox County, Ohio. Isolated cases are being investigated in a dozen other states. Nearly 60 people have been hospitalized and two children have died. The virus is particularly dangerous to unvaccinated children: Nine out of 10 unvaccinated children who are exposed to the virus will become infected, while one in five children who contract measles will be hospitalized with complications like pneumonia, dehydration or brain swelling. The vaccine can be administered within 72 hours of exposure to prevent illness or complications, and is available for adults born after 1957 who are unvaccinated or do not know their vaccination status. Measles symptoms typically develop within 21 days of exposure and include high fever, cough, nasal congestion, watery eyes and a rash beginning three to five days after other symptoms. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is available at retail pharmacies, doctor's offices or at Allen County Public Health by appointment prior to or within 72 hours of exposure. Call 419-228-4457 to schedule. Featured Local Savings
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ohio county confirms its first measles case
A case of measles has been identified in Allen County, according to the Allen County Health Department. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The individual with measles is under the age of 18 and unvaccinated, the health department says. TRENDING STORIES: Organ donation safe, secure health workers say after rare rabies death Ohio lacrosse team escapes bus fire while returning from spring break Gov. DeWine signs bill banning DEI initiatives at public colleges into law People who have been in contact with the individual have been notified by public health officials and informed of symptoms and quarantine procedures. 'The safest way to protect children from measles is to make sure they are vaccinated,' said Brandon Fischer, Health Commissioner, Allen County Public Health. Ohio's first case of measles was announced on March 20 in Ashtabula County. This led to the identification of ten other cases in Ashtabula County, nine of which had been in contact with the reported first case, according to the Ohio Department of Health. ACHD is reminding the community that measles is highly contagious. Nine out of 10 unvaccinated children who are exposed to measles will become infected, ACHD says. The measles virus can live in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the room, according to ACHD. Symptoms may not occur for up to 21 days after exposure. Measles symptoms can include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a rash that appears 3-5 days after other symptoms occur, ACHD says. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Allen County confirms first measles case
Mar. 28—LIMA — Allen County Public Health confirmed its first measles case in an unvaccinated youth under the age of 18 Friday. The health department is in contact with people potentially exposed to the virus to assess their measles vaccination status and provide information on the signs and symptoms of measles and quarantine measures, according to a news release. The measles virus is airborne and highly contagious: the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Nine out of 10 unvaccinated children who are exposed to the virus will become infected, Allen County Public Health officials warned in the release. Symptoms may not develop for 21 days after exposure. They include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a rash beginning three to five days after other symptoms. One in five children who contract measles will be hospitalized with complications like pneumonia, dehydration or brain swelling, health department officials said in the release. Allen County Public Health urges parents to vaccinate their children to protect them from becoming infected, as the virus poses the greatest risk to unvaccinated individuals. "The safest way to protect children from measles is to make sure they are vaccinated," Health Commissioner Brandon Fischer said. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine provides 97% protection. The vaccine is recommended for children at 12 to 15 months for the first dose and age 4-6 for the second dose. The health department does not provide testing or treatment for measles, but does offer MMR vaccinations by appointment. Call 419-228-4457 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays to schedule. The vaccine is also available at pharmacies and primary care offices. Anyone who develops symptoms should avoid contact with others and contact their primary care provider, health department officials said in the release. Featured Local Savings
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Allen County reports state's first pediatric flu death of season
Feb. 21—LIMA — Allen County Public Health confirmed the county's and state's first pediatric flu death of the season Friday. The individual was a teenager under the age of 18 who resided in Allen County, according to a news release from the health department, which did not specify the person's age or date of death. "Our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this loss," Health Commissioner Brandon Fischer said in the release. "This death is a reminder that flu can be a severe illness, especially for those at higher risk, such as older adults, young children, pregnant individuals and people with underlying health conditions." Flu activity usually peaks between December and February, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Flu activity has increased rapidly since the beginning of the year, with current activity very high. "Sadly, this tragic death reminds us that influenza, though common, is a serious health threat," said ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff in a press release. "We urge parents to protect their kids." Residents should practice good hand hygiene and stay home when sick to avoid spreading illness during peak flu season, Fischer said. It isn't too late for a flu shot either, particularly as hospitals in other parts of the U.S. start to report cases of Influenza B, which tends to circulate in the spring, Fischer said. "Vaccines offer good protection for that," Fischer said, noting that a person can catch the flu twice in one year if they are exposed to both strains of the flu in the same season. Flu shots are available at Allen County Public Health by appointment, as well as at retail pharmacies and doctors' offices. Since the start of the season, more than 9,000 influenza-related hospitalizations were reported in Ohio, according to the ODH. Ohio typically has between one and six influenza-related pediatric deaths each season. Featured Local Savings
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lima hospitals warn of high flu activity
Feb. 5—LIMA — Lima doctors are asking the public to take precautionary measures as emergency departments and urgent cares report record patient volumes for flu and other respiratory illnesses. Allen County Health Commissioner Brandon Fischer said roughly 60 Allen County residents were hospitalized with influenza in January. Another 30 have been hospitalized with flu-related illness five days into February, Fischer said during a press conference Wednesday. "We're on track to surpass (January levels) by the time next week hits," Fischer said. Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima Memorial Health System, Allen County Public Health and the Auglaize and Putnam County health departments issued a joint warning Wednesday asking residents to take preventative measures and seek the appropriate level of care so health care facilities are not overwhelmed. Already, health officials say the uptick in flu activity means patients may experience longer than usual wait times at the emergency department, urgent care or primary care. "As we are seeing exceptionally high cases of Influenza A and other respiratory illnesses, it's crucial for residents to take flu symptoms seriously and seek care at the appropriate level so we are able to continue delivering the right level of care at the right time, without overloading our systems," said Dr. Matthew Owens, chief clinical officer for Mercy Health-Lima, said in a news release. "While we are experiencing record numbers of patients across our emergency departments, urgent cares and primary care offices, we remain committed to providing the absolute best care for our community," Owens said. "We appreciate your patience as you may experience longer than usual wait times during peak season." Health officials say residents who suspect they may have the flu or another respiratory illness should stay home, avoid visiting loved ones in the hospital or long-term care facilities and consider wearing a mask indoors to prevent others from becoming sick. Residents should get their annual flu vaccine and wash their hands regularly as well, they said. Allen County Public Health's wastewater surveillance system, an early detection measure intended to warn hospitals and other facilities of potential outbreaks, detected a 500% increase in influenza last week, Fischer said Wednesday. Lima hospitals reported an increase in emergency department and urgent care visits two days later, he said. Mild flu symptoms such as fever, cough, congestion and body aches can be treated by a primary care doctor, urgent care or telehealth provider, health officials said. Anyone exhibiting serious signs of illness such as trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion or high fever who does not respond to medication should seek immediate help from an emergency department. Health officials say high-risk patients such as young children, older adults, pregnant women and anyone with underlying health conditions should consult with their doctor at the first sign of illness. "By working together, we can reduce the strain on emergency services and ensure that everyone receives timely and effective treatment," said Dr. Susan Kaufman, vice president and chief medical officer of Lima Memorial Health System, in the release. She added, "With a significant increase in patients, our health-care teams are working tirelessly to meet the growing demand. We encourage the community to seek the appropriate level of care to help us manage resources effectively and continue providing high-quality care for all." Featured Local Savings
