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Measles in Wood County: How to Know If You’re Protected

Categories Stories , Health tips

On September 29, 2026, the Wood County Health Department confirmed a case of measles in Bowling Green, Ohio. If you saw the news, you may wonder if you’re protected, what symptoms to watch for and what to do if you were exposed. 

The health department reports that most people in the community are protected by vaccination, so the overall risk is low. This article explains how measles spreads, how to check your vaccination status and when to contact a provider, with insights from Samantha Eitniear, Infection Preventionist at Wood County Hospital. 

What Is Measles and How Does It Spread? 

Measles is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when a person with measles breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after. 

An infected person can spread it four days before and four days after the rash appears, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Measles is often thought of as a childhood illness, but people of any age can get it. 


How Do I Know If I Am Protected From Measles? 

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine offers strong protection. One dose of the MMR vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles. Two doses are about 97% effective. 

“The risk is very minimal, but it is not zero,” Eitniear said. “So, we do want to take those precautions.” 

The Wood County Health Department considers you protected against measles if one of the following applies: 

  • Birth year: You were born before 1957. 

  • Vaccine record: You have written documentation of at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. 

  • Past illness: A health care provider has diagnosed you with measles. 

Note -the CDC recommends that all healthcare personnel have at least two doses of the MMR for adequate protection. 


How Can I Check My Measles Vaccine Status? 

  • Personal records: Look for a childhood vaccine card, school health records or military records. 

  • Your provider’s office: The office may have your vaccine history on file. 

  • Wood County Health Department: The health department can search Ohio’s statewide vaccine registry, called ImpactSIIS. Not every provider or record is in this system. “It’s a good first stop to see if you’ve had your vaccines,” Eitniear said. 

  • Blood test: Your provider may order a titer, a blood test that measures antibodies to show whether you’re immune to measles. 

If you’re not protected, your provider can talk with you about the MMR vaccine. 


What Are the First Symptoms of Measles? 

Measles may start like a cold, followed by a rash. Symptoms may begin seven to 14 days after exposure and can appear up to 21 days later. 

They include: 

  • High fever: Fevers can reach 104 to 105 degrees. 

  • Cough: The cough may be dry and hacking. 

  • Runny nose: This can be one of the first symptoms. 

  • Red, watery eyes: Eyes may look irritated. 

  • Spots inside the mouth: Tiny white or gray spots can form two to three days after symptoms start. 

  • Rash: A red rash may appear three to five days after symptoms begin, starting at the hairline and spreading down the body. 

Eitniear said knowing whether you were exposed can help tell measles apart from a cold. If you were at a known exposure site and notice those symptoms, contact your provider. 

 

What Should I Do If I Was Exposed to Measles?

If you think you may have been exposed, follow these steps: 

  1. Check the exposure list: The Wood County Health Department posts the dates, times and locations of possible exposures on its website and social media. 

  1. Fill out the form: Complete the Measles Close Contact Investigation Form on the health department’s website. 

  1. Review your protection: If you’re protected, the health department says the risk is low. 

  1. Call your provider if you’re not protected: Your provider can talk with you about prevention options. The MMR vaccine may lower the risk of illness when given within 72 hours of exposure. 

  1. Watch for symptoms: Monitor for fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and rash for 21 days after exposure. 

  1. Call ahead if symptoms appear: Call your provider’s office before you arrive to protect other patients. In an emergency, call 911 and share that you may have been exposed to measles. 

 

Who Is at Higher Risk for Measles?

Some groups may have a higher chance of serious illness from measles, including: 

  • Children under 5: Babies under 12 months might not have received the MMR vaccine. Young children may be more likely to need hospital care if they get measles. 

  • Pregnant women: Measles during pregnancy may lead to complications for the parent and baby. 

  • People with weakened immune systems: This includes people with certain health conditions or who take medications that affect immunity. 

  • If you or a family member is in one of these groups, talk with your provider about ways to stay protected. 

 

How Does Wood County Hospital Help Prevent the Spread of Measles? 

Wood County Hospital’s infection prevention team works to keep any illnesses from spreading between patients during their hospital stay. 

“We try to make patients better instead of giving them another illness to go home with,” Eitniear said. 

When a patient comes to the emergency department, staff ask about recent exposures to communicable diseases. The answers guide the precautions the care team takes. 

“If it is something like measles, we will isolate them as quickly as possible and put a mask on them, making sure that we’re preventing it from spreading,” Eitniear said. 

 

How Many People in Wood County Are Vaccinated Against Measles?

In the 2025-2026 school year, 93.7% of Wood County kindergarteners were up to date on the MMR vaccine and 82% of Wood County adults have had an MMR in their lifetime, according to the Community Health Needs Assesment. 

“We do have a high vaccine rate in the county,” Eitniear said. 

Ohio schools report student vaccination data to the state each year. You can view rates by county and school on the ODH school vaccination page. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Measles 

Is natural immunity better than the measles vaccine? 

No. “The vaccine is very safe and effective,” Eitniear said. “Having that immunity from the vaccine is better than trying to obtain natural immunity.” 

In some people, measles can lead to complications such as encephalitis, or swelling of the brain. 

 

Can I get measles if I’m vaccinated? 

It’s possible but uncommon. About three out of 100 people who receive two doses of the MMR vaccine may still get measles if exposed. Illness may be milder. 

 

Do adults need the measles vaccine? 

Adults born in 1957 or later who don’t have evidence of immunity may need at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, according to the CDC. Some adults may need two doses, such as college students, health care workers and international travelers. A provider can review your records and recommend the right number of doses. 

 

When should children get the MMR vaccine? 

The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for children. The first dose is given at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at four to six years. Ohio requires two doses of the MMR vaccine for kindergarten. 

 

Are college campuses at higher risk for measles? 

Measles can spread in places where people gather. Eitniear noted that college campuses may see more exposures because students and staff travel, including to other countries. 

 

Where Can I Review My Measles Protection in Bowling Green or the surrounding areas? 

Knowing your vaccine status can help you and your family feel prepared. 

 Wood County Hospital offers primary care at locations throughout the area, including Bowling Green Family Physicians on Ridgewood Drive, Bowling Green Family Care Center on Conneaut Avenue and Falcon Health Primary Care Center on East Wooster Street as well as North Baltimore Family Practice and Deshler Family Practice. 

 

Use the Find a Provider directory to see which provider would be your best fit, then call the office to schedule a visit. If you have measles symptoms, let the office know when you call. Contact us with any questions or concerns.