The Delaware Public Health District is warning residents about a possible measles exposure tied to a restaurant in Powell, urging anyone who may have visited the establishment to monitor themselves for symptoms.
Measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a distinctive red rash that typically spreads from the face downward.
The warning comes as measles cases climb nationally. More than 4,000 confirmed cases have been reported across 47 states and Washington, D.C., with Pennsylvania the national outbreak center at more than 1,100 cases. Ohio has reported 147 cases as of Oct. 9, according to CDC data cited in the report.
Health officials say vaccination remains the best protection against the virus. Anyone who believes they were exposed should contact their healthcare provider or the Delaware Public Health District before visiting a clinic or emergency department in person.
