The Ohio Department of Health has confirmed the state's first measles case of the year, with an unvaccinated adult from Ashtabula County being patient zero. As ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA reported, the individual was infected after contact with someone who had recently traveled internationally. Efforts are now being focused on tracking potential exposures and advocating for vaccination in response to this incident.
In a news conference, Dr. Vanderhoff stressed the significance of immunization against this highly contagious disease, revealing that "The fact that we now have a measles case in Ohio adds emphasis to the importance of being fully vaccinated," according to a statement obtained by the Ohio Department of Health. While the state recorded a notable outbreak in 2022, there was a marked decrease in incidence, with one case in 2023 and seven in 2024.
ODH is actively cooperating with the Ashtabula County Health Department to manage the situation and promote vaccination opportunities. Measles is easily transmissible through coughing and sneezing. The disease becomes a threat when it is introduced into the community by international travelers or residents returning from affected areas, exposing the unvaccinated population to a high risk of contracting the virus.
The importance of vaccination can't be overstated, with the measles vaccine, commonly referred to as MMR for its coverage against measles, mumps, and rubella, standing as a bulwark against the disease. The vaccine is safe and effective, offering 97% effectiveness with two doses. Those who are up to date with the vaccine carry a very low risk of infection. Dr. Vanderhoff held a news conference on Tuesday to address childhood immunization rates in Ohio and urged parents to protect their children with the MMR vaccine, especially given the recent outbreaks in other states, as reported by the Ohio Department of Health.
Symptoms of measles include a rash, high fever, and runny nose, among others, with the potential for serious complications, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. More information about measles is available on the CDC website, including advice on immunization schedules and further recommendations for prevention. Dr. Vanderhoff stressed that the measles virus can live up to two hours in the air where the infected person coughs or sneezes and that precautions should be taken to avoid touching contaminated surfaces. Additional details are provided on ODH's measles FAQ page.
