Ohio reports the first measles incident of 2025 in Ashtabra County

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The state's first measles incident in 2025 is being reported in Ashtabra County, state officials announced Thursday.

The person had not been vaccinated and had recently been in contact with someone who had travelled internationally. There, the virus is spreading in several countries, health officials said.

The incident is a concern in light of the ongoing outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. Texas has identified 279 cases since late January, and as of mid-March, 36 patients have been hospitalized.

“The fact that there is a measles incident now in Ohio underscores the importance of being fully vaccinated,” Ohio Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said in a statement. “The disease can be very serious, but it is preventable. I highly recommend getting vaccinated and protecting yourself and your child.”

Measles is one of them Most infectious diseases Illness, and it is fatal. Global health data shows that in 2023 more than 100,000 people worldwide died of illness.

The measles virus is highly contagious and spreads into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and infects other people up to two hours after the sick person leaves the room.

Ohio saw seven cases of measles in 2024; There was one in 2023 and 90 in 2022, with a total of 85 outbreaks in Central Ohio. These cases were the first in the state since 2019.

Ohio also experienced a measles outbreak in 2014. There are at least 374 measles and 10 hospitalizations, with most of Knox County in central Ohio, centering on the unvaccinated Amish community.

Nationally, there have been 301 confirmed cases of measles in 15 states so far this year, according to federal government data.

The measles vaccine, called MMR, is because it protects against measles, mumps and rubella, is very safe and effective in preventing measles, Vanderhoff said. Two MMRs are 97% effective against measles. Vaccination experts say those who receive the two-dose MMR vaccine as children are protected for life.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children receive two MMR vaccines.

The MMR vaccine can also be administered to adults born after 1957, who have not been vaccinated or are not aware of the vaccination status.

The latest percentage of Ohio kindergarteners with all recommended vaccines is an astonishing development in light of the outbreaks of Texas and New Mexico, according to Vanderhoff At a recent press conference.

The most recent proportion of Ohio kindergarteners with all recommended vaccines was 85.4% for the 2024-25 academic year, down from 86.2% the previous year, he said.

Measles symptoms, where to find vaccinations

Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite, watery red eyes, and rash for 1-2 weeks after contact with the virus.

Health complications, especially for children under the age of 5, include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis, and brain damage.

People at risk for complications include adults over the age of 20, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems.

Measles during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth, miscarriage, and low birth weight infants.

MMR shots are available at doctors' offices, clinics and government health centres.

The Cleveland Public Health Department is encouraging parents to take their children to regular pediatricians for the vaccine, Dr. David Margolius said. For families who do not have a pediatrician or have other barriers to getting care, the city's health department offers weekly childhood vaccination clinics. (detail here. )

The Cuyahoga County Board of Health offers the MMR vaccine to families with or without health insurance. Patients should contact the board to schedule an appointment, but in some cases it could be the same day. Please call 216-201-2041.

Julie Washington covers healthcare cleveland.com. read Previous Stories on this Link.