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COLUMBUS -- The Ohio Department of Health is reporting the state's third measles outbreak of 2026, including one confirmed case in Tuscarawas County.
The outbreak includes four individuals statewide -- three in Ashtabula County and one in Tuscarawas County. All four individuals were unvaccinated, with ages ranging from 4 to 30.
The Ohio Department of Health is working with local health departments to investigate potential exposures and encourage vaccination opportunities.
ODH previously reported measles outbreaks in Cuyahoga County in January and Franklin County in February. The state has recorded 15 measles cases so far in 2026. Ohio reported 45 cases in 2025, seven cases in 2024 and one case in 2023.
"It’s unfortunate that these outbreaks have become more common in Ohio over the past few years, because this disease is preventable," ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said. "This serves to emphasize the importance of being fully vaccinated. I strongly encourage you to protect yourselves and your children by getting vaccinated."
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is considered safe and effective, with two doses providing about 97% protection against measles.
The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. People infected with measles can spread the disease from four days before symptoms appear until four days after the rash develops.
Symptoms include a rash, high fever, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite and red, watery eyes. The rash typically begins at the hairline, moves to the face and upper neck, and spreads down the body.
Complications are more common among children younger than 5, adults older than 20, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. According to health officials, about one in 20 children with measles develops pneumonia, which is the most common cause of measles-related death among young children.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose given between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between ages 4 and 6. Adults who are unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status also may receive the vaccine.
Health officials said measles can be brought into Ohio through travel to areas experiencing outbreaks. Among people who are not protected, nine out of 10 exposed individuals will become infected.
More information about measles and vaccination recommendations is available through the Ohio Department of Health and the CDC.