Healthcare providers in Toledo are instructing patients to call ahead if they suspect an exposure to measles. The precaution gives staff time to prepare and limits potential exposure for vulnerable patients.
Patients should contact a hospital, urgent care, or doctor’s office before walking in. Measles spreads easily through the air.
Dr. Brian Kaminski is an emergency medicine physician and vice president of medical affairs at ProMedica. He explained the intake process.
“We would work through all those things based on the phone call, regardless of what kind of healthcare facility it is. If you need to come in, you’d be given directions on how to come in, what to expect when the staff would greet you and where you’d be taken for evaluation and testing, if it’s indicated.”
Healthcare facilities use special tools to contain airborne particles. Kaminski said staff can use personal protective equipment and negative-pressure rooms.
Recent infections have been reported across northwest Ohio. Kaminski said the area has not reached the official threshold for a measles outbreak.
An outbreak requires three or more linked cases from one source, Kaminski said. Vaccination remains the best defense.
A fully vaccinated person might not develop full immunity in rare cases, Kaminski said. Each dose still increases protection and reduces severe illness.
Medical facilities establish isolation protocols to control contagious respiratory illnesses. These procedures help protect other patients in waiting areas. Staff members can prepare clean triage spaces before an arrival.
Anyone in Toledo who suspects an exposure should call their healthcare provider for guidance first.
