A recent case of measles has been confirmed in downtown Cincinnati, with an out-of-town visitor testing positive for the highly contagious virus. The infected person flew from Chicago to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and took a Lyft to the Hyatt Regency on West Fifth Street. They also made a stop at Morton’s Steakhouse on Vine Street for takeout.
Individuals who were at the Hyatt Regency after 9 p.m. on Wednesday or at Morton’s Steakhouse between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. may have been exposed to the virus. Symptoms of measles typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a rash that appears three to five days after symptoms occur. Those who believe they may have been exposed are advised to get tested for measles and isolate themselves.
The Cincinnati Health Department can provide further information and assistance at 513-357-7462. It is worth noting that the last reported measles case in Cincinnati was from another nonresident. Health department officials recommend checking immunity status, with the reminder that immunity is reliably conferred by the MMR vaccine.
In the United States, there have been a total of 121 measles cases reported across 18 jurisdictions as of Thursday. Cases have been documented in various states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, New York state, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington. Vigilance and caution are urged as health authorities work to contain the spread of this preventable disease.
