Ohio measles outbreak grows to 45 cases so far this year

OHIO (WOIO) - Ohio is facing a growing measles outbreak, with state health officials reporting on Thursday a total of 45 cases so far this year.

The state had 45 measles cases in 2025, seven cases in 2024 and one case in 2023.

Last month, the number of measles cases in the U.S. surpassed the tally for all of 2025. Ohio is on track to soon do the same.

A week ago, Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff reported just 15 cases of measles and declared the outbreak.

Here is the latest data for Ohio in 2026, according to the state’s infectious disease dashboard.

Those with measles have ranged in age from an infant to 32 years old.

Five of the 45 infected individuals had to be hospitalized, according to the dashboard.

As far as the recent surge, health experts are pointing to exposure events in Sugarcreek and Bloomfield.

The Ashtabula County Health Department first reported two cases of measles back on July 23.

Since then, local and state health departments continue working to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed.

People who have weakened immune systems may take longer to experience symptoms.

According to experts, anyone seeking testing should contact their healthcare provider. You should not arrive at a healthcare facility without calling ahead if measles is suspected.

Measles are preventable through vaccines and have been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.

In November, international health officials will meet to determine if the U.S. and Mexico have lost their measles-free status.

Here are tips on how to spot symptoms of measles and how to protect yourself, from the Ohio Department of Health:

Measles is extremely contagious and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. It can be brought into Ohio by individuals who travel to places where measles is spreading. If people are not protected against the disease, nine out of 10 people who are exposed will become ill.

The measles vaccine (called MMR as it protects against measles, mumps and rubella) is safe and effective at preventing measles. Two doses of MMR are 97% effective against measles. If you are up to date on the measles vaccine, the risk of getting sick is extremely low.

The measles virus can live for up to two hours in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch an infected surface and then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected. People infected with measles can spread it to others from four days before through four days after a rash appears.

Measles symptoms include a rash, high fever, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite, and red, watery eyes. The rash usually lasts 5-6 days and begins at the hairline, moves to the face and upper neck, and proceeds down the body. Diarrhea and ear infections are common complications of measles. More severe complications may also occur.

Complications from measles are more common among children younger than 5 years of age, adults older than 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. As many as one out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in youth.