Measles Outbreak in Ohio Confirmed: Cases Rise Amid Growing Concerns
Columbus, Ohio – Health officials have confirmed a measles outbreak in Ohio, making the state the latest to report increasing infections in 2025. The Ohio Department of Health announced that 10 cases have been identified in Ashtabula County, which borders Pennsylvania. Nine of these cases are linked to an unvaccinated man reported last week as Ohio’s first measles case of the year.
Additionally, Knox County in central Ohio has reported another case, where a visitor exposed multiple individuals to the virus. None of the infected individuals were vaccinated, raising concerns about the rapid spread of this highly contagious disease.
Measles Outbreak in Ohio Adds to Nationwide Surge
The announcement of the measles outbreak in Ohio comes as the U.S. experiences a sharp increase in cases. The latest CDC data shows 378 confirmed measles cases in 18 states, with Texas and New Mexico being the hardest hit.
“Given the measles activity in Texas, New Mexico, and other states, we’re disappointed but not surprised that Ohio is now seeing multiple cases,” said Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health. “Measles can be severe, even deadly, but is almost entirely preventable through vaccination. I strongly urge parents to ensure their children are immunized—it’s a life-saving decision.”
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Ohio’s Declining Vaccination Rates Raise Alarm
Health experts have long warned that falling immunization rates could lead to outbreaks. The CDC defines an outbreak as three or more linked cases, and measles can spread rapidly—each infection can lead to up to 18 new cases in unvaccinated individuals.
In Ohio, vaccine coverage for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) has dropped from 89.2% in the 2023-2024 school year to 88.3% in 2024-2025, according to the state’s latest school immunization report.
Not Ohio’s First Measles Outbreak
This is not the first time Ohio has dealt with a measles crisis. In 2022, the state reported 90 cases, with 85 concentrated in central Ohio. Public health officials are now bracing for the possibility of further spread unless vaccination rates improve.
As the measles outbreak in Ohio worsens, health experts continue to stress the importance of immunization to prevent severe illness and protect communities from further infections.
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