Wood County Health Department confirms one case of measles; several possible exposure sites in Bowling Green

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (WTVG) – The Wood County Health Department has confirmed a case of measles in Bowling Green, with possible exposure in several locations, health officials said.

The individual was contagious while visiting multiple locations in Bowling Green on specific days and times, according to the health department.

Possible exhibition locations

Health officials said anyone in the following locations during these times could have been exposed to measles:

• Bowling Green State University on September 23, 2026, in the Overman and/or Physical Sciences Buildings
• Pagliai Restaurant on September 23, 2026, between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Wood County Hospital Emergency Department, September 24, 2026, between 8:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., September 25, 2026
• Wood County Hospital Emergency Department, September 25, 2026, between 6:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.
• Falcon Health Center on September 28, 2026, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Anyone at these locations during these times is asked to complete the Measles Close Contact Investigation Form, available at woodcountyhealth.org or the Department of Health social media page.

What to do if you may have been exposed

For those who are shielded, the Department of Health says the risk is very low and individuals should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.

For those who are unprotected or unsure of their immune status, health officials advise:

• Call a healthcare professional as soon as possible
• Request eligibility for post-exposure vaccination, which must be received within 72 hours of exposure
• Monitor symptoms for 21 days

Anyone with a fever or unexplained rash is asked to call ahead before going to a doctor, urgent care or emergency room, and to limit contact with others to prevent the spread of illness. The Department of Health says symptoms in an exposed, non-immune person would likely appear within 21 days, although people with weakened immune systems may take longer to show symptoms.

About measles

Health authorities describe measles as an acute and highly contagious viral illness. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes, and rash. Although measles is generally considered a childhood illness, it can be contracted at any age, according to the Ministry of Health.

A person is considered protected or immune if they meet one of the following criteria:

• Born before 1957
• Have documentation of at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, with two doses recommended for full immunity
• Have ever had measles diagnosed by a health care provider

Health authorities recommend measles vaccination for anyone aged one year or older who is not vaccinated. Children should receive the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, then again between 4 and 6 years of age, with earlier doses sometimes recommended as early as 6 months of age in special circumstances, such as travel or during epidemics, according to the Ministry of Health.

Anyone with questions should consult a health care provider.

The Wood County Health Department says most people in the community are protected by vaccination and the overall risk to the public remains low.

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