Art Hunter

Recent outbreaks of measles and mumps in Ohio have prompted Governor Jon Kasich to authorize pharmacists to give the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to adults 18 years of age and older.

Clermont count Health Commissioner Julianne Nesbit says that there have been no cases of measles in Clermont County, and that the few cases of mumps seen in the county are not related to the outbreak in other parts of Ohio.

Nesbit says that the measles and mumps outbreaks can be a cause for concern.

“The biggest concern is for those who are not immunized, or can’t be immunized yet, such as infants and anyone who is elderly or immune compromised,” Nesbit said.

Nesbit says that everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated against these diseases.

“We always encourage people to be vaccinated, especially kids,” she said. “Vaccination is the best way for people to protect themselves against communicable diseases.”

Since January, there have been 298 cases of measles, and 419 cases of mumps in Ohio.