A startling reminder of the fragility of public health: Ohio is facing a resurgence of measles, as highlighted by Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, the Director of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). This alarming news marks the state’s first confirmed cases of measles for 2026, involving three children from the same household located in Cuyahoga County. Notably, one of these cases had symptoms beginning at the close of 2025, while the other two emerged in the early months of 2026.
These children were unvaccinated when they came into contact with the virus and had traveled to a region within the United States currently experiencing an outbreak of measles. In response to this situation, ODH is collaborating closely with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health to monitor potential exposures and to enhance vaccination efforts in the community.
"The emergence of measles cases in Ohio underscores the critical necessity of being fully vaccinated," Dr. Vanderhoff emphasized. "Measles can lead to severe health issues, but it is also entirely preventable. I urge everyone to safeguard themselves and their children by ensuring they receive vaccinations."
Measles is known for its high contagiousness, spreading rapidly through droplets expelled during coughing and sneezing. The measles vaccine, also referred to as MMR (which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella), is both safe and highly effective. It boasts a 97% success rate in preventing measles when two doses are administered. For individuals who are up to date on their vaccinations, the likelihood of becoming ill is significantly reduced.
The measles virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has coughed or sneezed, posing a risk to anyone who breathes that air or touches contaminated surfaces and then contacts their eyes, nose, or mouth. Those infected with measles can transmit the virus to others from four days prior to the onset of a rash up to four days after.
Symptoms of measles typically include a distinctive rash, high fever, a runny nose, persistent cough, loss of appetite, and red, watery eyes. The rash generally appears five to six days after symptoms begin, starting at the hairline and progressively spreading down the body. Common complications associated with measles may include diarrhea and ear infections, with more severe, life-threatening complications also possible.
Complications are particularly prevalent among certain vulnerable groups, including children under five years old, adults over 20, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Alarmingly, approximately one in every twenty children infected with measles will develop pneumonia, which is the leading cause of measles-related fatalities in young children.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises that all children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: the initial dose should be given between 12 and 15 months of age, with a follow-up dose between 4 and 6 years old. Additionally, adults who have not been vaccinated or whose vaccination history is unclear should also consider receiving the MMR vaccine.
Traveling to areas experiencing active measles outbreaks can introduce the virus back into Ohio. Without adequate protection, a staggering 90% of individuals exposed to the virus could fall ill.
In terms of recent statistics, Ohio reported 45 measles cases in 2025 (including the aforementioned case), and there were seven cases in 2024. The previous year, 2023, saw only one case, while 2022 had a significant outbreak totaling 90 cases, with most stemming from central Ohio.
For those seeking further information about measles, the CDC provides a wealth of resources, including general insights (https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html) and the recommended immunization schedule (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/child-adolescent-age.html?CDCAArefVal=https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html). The ODH also hosts a dedicated FAQ page on measles (https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/vaccine-preventable-diseases/resources/measles).
About the Ohio Department of Health
The mission of the Ohio Department of Health is to enhance the health and well-being of every resident in the state. Through innovative partnerships and diverse funding sources, ODH is actively transforming public health approaches, employing data-driven and evidence-based strategies to tackle health issues effectively. For more comprehensive public health resources, tools, and information, please visit the Ohio Department of Health’s official website (https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/home).
