But that is likely to change when vacations start
AUSTINTOWN
There have been no measles cases in Mahoning County this year, and influenza rates continue to decline, said Dr. John Venglarcik, county health-board medical director.
Speaking at the Mahoning County District Board of Health meeting Wednesday, Dr. Venglarcik said the county had one suspected measles case but it was ruled out.
But, he said, the measles outbreak in California continues.
“My concern is when vacations start and people travel around the country and the world. It’s just a matter of time until the measles gets here,” he said.
County Health Commissioner Patricia Sweeney said immunizations are down at county health department clinics over the last couple of years, indicating that more parents are not getting their children vaccinated. “It’s alarming,” Sweeney said.
“We could lose our herd immunity, which is necessary to protect children too young to get the vaccine or children and adults whose immune systems are compromised and can’t tolerate the shot,” Sweeney said.
In other action, the board approved these contracts: Abbott Point of Care maintenance agreement for the tuberculosis blood chemistry analyzer, $1,500; Welco LKA Inc. for technical support and consultation for the Baby & Me Tobacco Free Program, $1,440; AR Cleaning Services for janitorial services for the Women, Infant and Children’s Youngstown site, $1,350; and Keynote Media Group to produce the 2014 annual report, $1,883.