On Mar. 20, 2025, Ohio Department of Health (ODH) reported the state’s first measles case of 2025. The infected adult is from Ashtabula County. The individual was unvaccinated and had contact with someone who had recently travelled internationally.

ODH was working with the Ashtabula County Health Department to follow up on potential exposures and to promote opportunities for vaccination.

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 prevalence has been increasing recently internationally and there are ongoing outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.

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 is 97% effective against measles. If you are up to date on measles vaccine, the risk of getting sick is extremely low.

The CDC recommends all children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. 

In most instances, adults who were vaccinated against measles as children do not need any additional doses as adults. However, adults who did not receive the MMR vaccine as children or those who are unsure about their vaccination status are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider for more information. Those born prior to 1957 are likely protected by previous infection.