Anyone who was at Kraft House No. 5 in downtown Powell between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, should monitor for measles symptoms through Oct. 25, according to the Delaware Public Health District.

The Delaware Public Health District said it is investigating a possible measles exposure at the restaurant, located at 5 South Liberty St., after a suspected case visited the business. The exposure window is limited to Oct. 4 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The health district said there is no ongoing risk outside that timeframe.

The district is offering walk-in MMR vaccinations at 470 S. Sandusky St. in Delaware, Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Residents unsure of their vaccination status can also call the health district at 740-203-2040.

Restaurant stayed open

Kraft House No. 5 owner Kliton Gjergji told the Delaware Source the restaurant did not close because the health department said it could remain open. Gjergji said the health district did not inform him of the exposure until Thursday, Oct. 8, four days after it occurred.

The restaurant remains open.

In a follow-up statement reported by the Delaware Source, the restaurant's management said, "We are happy to share that our entire staff is fully vaccinated, and no one who worked during the time in question is exhibiting any symptoms."

What to watch for

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days, according to the health district. Early signs include high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A rash may follow three to five days later, starting on the face and spreading downward.

Anyone who develops symptoms should stay home, avoid contact with others and call a health care provider before visiting a medical office. Calling ahead allows facilities to take precautions against further spread.

Statewide context

Ohio reported 228 confirmed measles cases across 21 counties as of Oct. 8, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. Nationally, the CDC counted 4,080 confirmed cases across 47 jurisdictions as of the same date, with 96% tied to outbreaks.

The CDC recommends two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for children, the first at 12 to 15 months and the second at ages 4 to 6. Adults without evidence of immunity should get at least one dose. People born before 1957 are generally considered immune through prior exposure, according to the health district.

The 21-day symptom-monitoring window for the Oct. 4 exposure runs through Oct. 25.