Ohio Department of Health sounds alarm as measles outbreak grows in Ashtabula County
ASHTABULA, Ohio (WJW) – Ten people in Ashtabula County are confirmed to have measles, a sharp increase from the single case reported last week.
The Ohio Department of Health said the outbreak is linked to one man, the first case of measles in 2025.
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The man recently traveled, and the area is not being shared by the Ashtabula County Health Department, to protect the anonymity of the man. The nine new cases are linked to that same man and all of the individuals are not vaccinated.
ODH said measles is a growing concern as cases continue to spike in Western Texas and New Mexico.
'Given the measles activity in Texas, New Mexico, and other states around the country, we're disappointed but not surprised we now have several cases here in Ohio and known exposure in some counties,' ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said. 'This disease can be very serious, even deadly, but it is almost entirely avoidable by being properly vaccinated. Measles is especially dangerous for young children, so I strongly urge all parents across Ohio to make sure your children are vaccinated. It is a crucial layer of protection that can save lives.'
There is an additional confirmed case in Knox County, Ohio, as well.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a measles outbreak as three or more related cases. Measles can spread quickly, and each case can lead to an additional 12 to 18 cases if people aren't protected against the disease. The CDC reported 378 cases nationwide as of March 20.
Ohio had 90 cases of measles in 2022, when an outbreak in central Ohio totaled 85 cases. The state had one measles case in 2023 and seven in 2024.
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 virus can live up to two hours in the air after an infected person leaves the room. Symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after a person comes in contact with the virus but it can take as long as 21 days in some cases.
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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.
ACHD will take part in a Vaccination Clinic for Measles-Mumps-Rubella, Varicella, DTaP, Polio & Flu for Adults and Children on Thursday, March 27, from 3:30-5:30 pm at the Conneaut Human Resource Center, 327 Mill St., Conneaut, OH 44030. No appointment is required. Bring insurance cards and shot records if you have them. Some vaccines are available at no cost for those who qualify. A parent must accompany any minor. Call (440)576-6010, option #2, for more information.
Dr. Vanderhoff held a news conference on March 18 to discuss Ohio's childhood immunization rates and to urge parents to get their children up to date on all recommended vaccines, including the MMR vaccine. You can find the video of that news conference on the ODH YouTube channel.
More information about measles is available on the CDC website, including general information and the recommended immunization schedule. ODH also has a measles FAQ page.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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