Situation Report: Measles Outbreak in Ohio

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Measles is Highly Contagious

Measles is a viral respiratory illness transmitted by direct contact with droplets or via airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles is caused by the rubeola virus and is so contagious that up to 90% of unprotected people who are exposed to measles will become infected (CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/transmission.html, Accessed 12/15/2022).

Growing Measles Outbreak in Ohio

There is a growing measles outbreak in central Ohio. As of December 15, 2022, there have been 77 confirmed cases of measles in children, among them 72 who were unvaccinated. This outbreak underscores the importance of immunizing the pediatric population: two-doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles.

40 Million Children Missed a Measles Vaccine

Measles vaccine coverage has steadily declined recently. Many children missed routine immunizations, including the MMR vaccine – and many may still not have received all of their recommended vaccinations.

On November 23, 2022, a joint news release by the WHO and CDC reported that a record high of nearly 40 million children missed a measles vaccine dose in 2021. That same year, there were an estimated 9 million cases and 128,000 deaths from measles worldwide. The disruption of routine immunization programs threatens progress toward global measles elimination.

Recommendations for Health Care Professionals

Communities of people who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated against measles are at highest risk. 

Providers should consider measles in patients with a febrile rash illness and other clinically compatible symptoms, particularly if the patient was potentially exposed to a case of measles or has recently traveled to an area with an ongoing measles outbreak.

Learn more about measles.