Delaware County Investigates Possible Measles Exposure at Powell Restaurant

The Delaware Public Health District announced Friday, Oct. 9, that it is investigating a potential measles exposure at a downtown Powell gastropub after an individual diagnosed with the virus visited the establishment on Sunday, Oct. 4.

Health officials reported that the exposure occurred at Kraft House No. 5, located at 5 S. Liberty St. in Powell, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Authorities advise anyone who visited the restaurant during those hours to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles for 21 days, an observation window that extends through Sunday, Oct. 25. Delaware County health officials noted that no secondary cases associated with the restaurant visit have been confirmed.

Measles is an airborne, highly contagious viral infection that can spread rapidly among individuals who lack immunity. According to the health district, the virus can remain viable for up to two hours in the airspace where an infected individual coughed or sneezed, creating transmission risks even after the person has departed. Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed three to five days later by a red rash that begins on the face and spreads downward across the body.

Public health officials emphasized that vaccination offers the most reliable protection against measles. Central Ohio residents seeking immunization can receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine on a walk-in basis at the Delaware Public Health District clinic, located at 470 S. Sandusky St. in Delaware. The agency provides walk-in clinic hours on weekdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m. Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles should contact a doctor or urgent care center by phone before arriving in person so staff can take precautions to protect other patients.

The Delaware Public Health District announced Friday, Oct. 9, that it is investigating a potential measles exposure at a downtown Powell gastropub after an individual diagnosed with the virus visited the establishment on Sunday, Oct. 4.

Health officials reported that the exposure occurred at Kraft House No. 5, located at 5 S. Liberty St. in Powell, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Authorities advise anyone who visited the restaurant during those hours to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles for 21 days, an observation window that extends through Sunday, Oct. 25. Delaware County health officials noted that no secondary cases associated with the restaurant visit have been confirmed.

Measles is an airborne, highly contagious viral infection that can spread rapidly among individuals who lack immunity. According to the health district, the virus can remain viable for up to two hours in the airspace where an infected individual coughed or sneezed, creating transmission risks even after the person has departed. Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed three to five days later by a red rash that begins on the face and spreads downward across the body.

Public health officials emphasized that vaccination offers the most reliable protection against measles. Central Ohio residents seeking immunization can receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine on a walk-in basis at the Delaware Public Health District clinic, located at 470 S. Sandusky St. in Delaware. The agency provides walk-in clinic hours on weekdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m. Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles should contact a doctor or urgent care center by phone before arriving in person so staff can take precautions to protect other patients.