STEUBENVILLE — A confirmed measles outbreak in Ohio has health officials urging members of the public to protect themselves through vaccination.

Originating in Texas, this year’s measles activity had spread to 20 jurisdictions in the U.S. by Thursday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the 483 confirmed cases, roughly 75 percent have occurred in people 19 or younger, and 97 percent of cases have been in unvaccinated individuals. One school-age, unvaccinated child is confirmed to have died from the disease in Texas.

Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff announced last Tuesday that 10 measles cases had been identified in unvaccinated individuals in Ashtabula County, as well as one confirmed case of a visitor in Knox County who exposed others to measles in that county and ones nearby.

“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,” 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.”

Among measles symptoms are a rash that begins at the hairline and proceeds down the body, high fever, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite and red, watery eyes, the ODH states. People infected with measles can spread it to others up to four days before or after a rash appears.

Shared through coughing and sneezing from an infected person, measles can survive for up to two hours in the air, the ODH states. Those who breathe contaminated air or touch an infected surface and then touch their eyes, noses or mouths can become infected.

The CDC defines a measles outbreak as three or more related cases, the ODH states. Measles can lead to an additional 12 to 18 cases if people are not protected, the ODH states. In those who are not protected, nine out of 10 who are exposed will become ill.

Health Commissioner Andrew Henry said Thursday that the threat of measles to Jefferson County is more at the individual level, with vaccinated individuals having no cause for concern.

“Those who are vaccinated are in a strong position to protect themselves,” he said. “However, the unvaccinated residents are at risk. Quite frankly, they will remain at risk even after the nationwide outbreak if they do not take action.”

The measles vaccine — called MMR for its protection against measles, mumps and rubella — is safe and effective at preventing measles, the ODH states. Two doses grants a 97 percent effectiveness against measles, so being up-to-date on the MMR vaccine significantly lowers one’s risk of getting sick.

Henry said vaccinations are readily available in Jefferson County. Those wishing to schedule an appointment can call the Jefferson County General Health Districts at (740) 283-8530. The agency accepts most health insurances and has programs available to assist the uninsured.

The measles outbreaks come amid a renewed wave of vaccine skepticism dating back to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many vaccine critics point to supposed health risks, claiming vaccinations can be linked to autism. In March, the CDC announced plans to conduct a large-scale study to investigate the claim that vaccines can be linked to autism. The study seeks to investigate rising rates of autism in the U.S., which some attribute to screening changes.

Among vaccine skeptics is Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has called the measles outbreak a “top priority” but noted that small outbreaks occur each year in the U.S.

Ohio had 90 cases of measles in 2022, with 85 cases resulting from an outbreak in Central Ohio, the ODH states. Ohio had one measles case in 2023 and seven in 2024.

Kennedy has vowed to ensure anyone who wants a vaccine can get one, while emphasizing personal freedom in the decision.

In a March 11 interview with Sean Hannity of Fox News, Kennedy suggested that natural immunity from contracting the disease provides lifelong protection, whereas vaccine-induced immunity might wane over time. The vaccine itself, he claimed, can cause adverse health effects and death.

The MMR vaccine is generally considered safe, and much safer than the diseases themselves. No deaths related to the MMR vaccine have been found in healthy individuals, according to the Infectious Disease Society of America, though immunocompromised children may experience side effects or death, in rare cases.

Diarrhea and ear infections are common complications of measles, the ODH states, and more severe complications can occur, especially in children younger than 5, adults older than 20, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. The most common cause of death from measles in young children, pneumonia, occurs in as many as one out of every 20 children with measles.

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

Typically, adults who were vaccinated against measles as children do not require additional doses as adults. The ODH encourages adults who did not receive the MMR as children or those unsure of their vaccination statues to speak with their health care provider

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.

The state health department states that adults born prior to 1957 are likely protected by a previous infection — having lived before widespread vaccination.