Measles is not currently spreading in Ohio, with no reported cases since July 2024, according to the Ohio Department of Health. However, a decline in vaccination rates nationwide has raised concerns among health experts about a similar outbreak in the Buckeye State.
The measles virus is spreading in Texas and New Mexico, with over 120 cases reported, including one death from an unvaccinated child. All cases have been in unvaccinated children under 18 or individuals with unknown vaccination status.
Dr. Jason Newland, chief of infectious diseases at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, warns that the risk of a measles outbreak is high in Ohio due to lower vaccination rates. The national average for kindergarten vaccinations has fallen below 90%, and Ohio has a higher rate of non-medical exemptions to childhood vaccines than the national average.
Newland emphasizes that vaccines are safe and effective in preventing infections like measles, which can cause serious complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, and brain swelling. He urges parents to prioritize their children’s vaccination schedules, especially for those who have not received the full series of vaccinations yet.
While the risk of a large-scale outbreak is lower in Ohio due to its high vaccination rates against other diseases like polio, Newland notes that measles can still spread if an infected individual comes into contact with someone who hasn’t been vaccinated. The CDC reports that vaccine rates for the measles vaccine have been falling since the pandemic.
Source: https://eu.dispatch.com/story/news/healthcare/2025/02/26/measles-at-higher-risk-of-showing-up-in-ohio-due-to-lower-vaccinations/80488705007