The measles outbreak in Ohio has widened as the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) confirmed new cases in Ashtabula County and via a visitor who potentially spread the virus in Knox and nearby counties. ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, addressed the disappointing development, citing 10 measles cases linked to an adult male reported as the state’s first measles case of the year.

None of the infected individuals were vaccinated, a decision that Vanderhoff characterized as both the cause and the multiplier of this preventable situation. "Given the measles activity in Texas, New Mexico, and other states around the country, we’re disappointed but not surprised we now have several cases here in Ohio and known exposure in some counties,” Dr. Vanderhoff said through the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). “This disease can be very serious, even deadly, but it is almost entirely avoidable by being properly vaccinated."

The health department actively collaborates with the implicated counties' local health departments, tracing potential exposures and increasing vaccination opportunities. Last year, Ohio saw 90 measles cases, with a significant outbreak of 85 cases in central Ohio. The numbers were significantly lower in the following years, with one case in 2023 and seven in 2024.

As the measles virus continues to find a foothold in local communities, ODH stresses the importance of the measles vaccine, also known as MMR, which protects against mumps and rubella. The CDC has declared a measles outbreak with as few as three related cases. As of last Thursday, there were 378 reported cases nationwide. The measles vaccine is touted for its efficacy, with a 97% effectiveness rate after two doses. If people are up to date on the measles vaccine, the risk of getting sick is notably low, providing a strong case for broader vaccination efforts.