Central Ohio health officials are investigating a possible measles exposure at a Powell restaurant after a person who visited the business was diagnosed with the virus.
The Delaware Public Health District says the possible exposure occurred at Kraft House No. 5, located at 5 S. Liberty St. in Powell, on Sunday, Oct. 4, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
According to health officials, there is no ongoing exposure risk outside that specific time frame. Anyone who visited the restaurant during those hours should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after the potential exposure.
Kraft House No. 5 also addressed the situation in a public Facebook post, saying the restaurant is working with the local health department and following its guidance. The restaurant said all of its employees are fully vaccinated and that no employees who worked during the identified time period have reported symptoms, according to NBC4.
What Are The Symptoms Of Measles?
Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure, although they can take up to 21 days to develop.
The illness often starts with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A rash may appear three to five days after the initial symptoms, usually starting on the face before spreading down the body.
Measles is highly contagious. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes, meaning exposure can occur even after that person has left the area.
Anyone who develops symptoms after a possible exposure should stay home, avoid contact with others and call their health care provider before visiting a medical office or hospital. Calling ahead allows health care workers to take precautions and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to other patients.
How To Protect Yourself From Measles
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against measles. Health officials recommend that anyone who is unsure of their vaccination status contact their health care provider or the Delaware Public Health District for guidance.
The health district can be reached at 740-203-2040 for vaccination questions. It also offers walk-in MMR vaccinations at 470 S. Sandusky St. in Delaware, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.
Anyone with questions about the potential exposure can also contact the Delaware County Health Department’s 24/7 line at 740-815-6518.
The investigation comes as Ohio has reported more than 200 measles cases in 2026
