Ohio Department of Health announces measles outbreak within the state
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) announced in a news release on Thursday that the state is experiencing an outbreak of measles cases.
ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA reported the state's first cases of measles and outbreak of 2026.
The cases include three infected children from one household in Cuyahoga County.
One of the three children had an illness onset date at the end of 2025, while the other two saw an onset in 2026.
According to the release, all three children were unvaccinated at the time they were exposed to measles while traveling to an area of the United States experiencing an ongoing outbreak.
Measles is noted to be extremely contagious and has the potential to spread to others through coughing and sneezing.
However, the measles vaccine, also called MMR due to its protection against measles, mumps and rubella, is noted to be 97% effective in preventing the illness with two doses. The release states that if you are up to date on this vaccine, the risk of getting sick is low.
Symptoms of measles include:
- Rash
- High fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Loss of appetite
- Red, watery eyes
The rash may last between five to six days, beginning at the hairline and moving down the face and body from there. People infected can spread it to others from four days before to four days after a rash appears.
Complications of measles could include diarrhea and ear infections.
However, it is noted that more severe complications could occur and are more common in children under five-years-old, adults older than 20-years-old, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.
The ODH is working with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health to determine any potential exposures and to promote opportunities for vaccination.
"The fact that we again have measles cases in Ohio underlines the importance of being fully vaccinated," Dr. Vanderhoff said.
Dr. Vanderhoff continued," This disease can be very serious, but it is also preventable. I strongly encourage you to protect yourselves and your children by getting vaccinated."
In 2025, Ohio saw 45 cases of measles, including the one noted in Cuyahoga County.
