Health officials have confirmed a case of measles in Gallia County, Ohio, through laboratory testing, according to a news release from the Gallia County General Health District. No specific location within the county was provided.

Health officials are conducting follow-up investigations to identify potential exposures, notify contacts, and provide guidance to those who may have been exposed. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can spread easily and before a person shows symptoms. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.

Symptoms generally develop one to two weeks after exposure and can sometimes take up to three weeks. Symptoms include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Watery or red eyes
• A rash that typically begins three to five days after other symptoms appear

The illness can be serious, with approximately one in five people who contract it possibly needing hospitalisation.