ODH: Vaccination Best Defense Against Measles
There have been 607 total confirmed measles cases across the United States in 2025, with 12% of cases hospitalized and two deaths, according to the Center for Disease Control.
There have been 607 total confirmed measles cases across the United States in 2025, with 12% of cases hospitalized and two deaths, according to the Center for Disease Control.
In 2024, the total number of cases was 285.
In 2004, it was 37.
Geauga Public Health is preparing for potential scenarios should the county see a significant number of measles cases, Health Administrator Adam Litke said in an April 7 email.
There have been 10 cases in Ashtabula County, Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff said in a March 25 press release.
“Nine are linked to an adult male reported last week as the state’s first measles case of 2025. None of the individuals were vaccinated,” he said.
The disease is almost entirely avoidable by being properly vaccinated, he said.
“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,” he said.
While there have been no cases in Geauga County, the topic has floated around the past several Geauga County Board of Health meetings, with officials emphasizing the importance of inoculation.
“With complete eradication, there’s a reason why these diseases aren’t present, but it’s not that they’re not just there. It’s because we’ve eradicated them. So, we need to continue to keep those at bay,” board member Ashley Jones said at the board’s Feb. 26 meeting. “So, it’s more important now than ever, especially with our childhood vaccinations, to make sure we’re adhering to that.”
Former board member Mark Rood noted at his practice in South Russell Village, staff have been educated on what to do if a person who suspects they have measles calls into the office to be seen.
“The need to do that is something that I felt we had long since passed,” he said.
Staff were asked to query if anyone in the household had travelled internationally, he said.
Per the CDC, measles was declared to have been eliminated from the United States in 2000, meaning measles is not spreading within the country and new cases are contracted abroad.
At the March 26 health board meeting, shortly after outbreaks were identified in Ohio, Health Commissioner Ron Graham noted concern about the disease spreading in unvaccinated populations.
“We have a certain concern with the Amish population, so we’re going to stay on top of that,” he said, noting the board would be talking with University Hospitals for preparation.
“Once it gets into that community, it’s going to go pretty fast, so we need to be proactive,” Graham said.
GPH will continue to monitor measles cases, Litke said, noting the majority of cases are currently in one specific area of Texas.
Litke also warned to be aware of the language used in discussions, as an outbreak in Ohio is defined as two or more cases in the same setting.
The state level exclusion rule is a key component of measles planning when it comes to impact on schools, Litke said April 7, referencing ODH’s guidance on handling cases in close contact educational institutions where there may be high rates of vaccine exemptions.
Those who are exempt from or refuse the vaccine should be excluded from school, childcare and similar institutions until 21 days after the rash onset in the last case of measles, according to ODH.
“My goal is to minimize any disruption to children’s education. To this end, we are proactively sharing relevant information with key officials within the county so they are well-informed and can anticipate potential issues,” Litke said.
According to a March 20 press release from ODH, Ohio had 90 cases in 2022, one case in 2023 and seven in 2024.
“The measles vaccine (called MMR as it protects against measles, mumps and rubella) is safe and effective at preventing measles,” Vanderhoff said March 25. “Two doses of MMR is 97% effective against measles. If you are up to date on the measles vaccine, the risk of getting sick is extremely low.”
The CDC recommends children receive two doses, one at 12 through 15 months and one at four through six years old, he said.
Measles spreads to others through coughing and sneezing, he said, adding nine out of 10 people exposed will become ill if not protected against the disease.
“The fact that we now have a measles case in Ohio adds emphasis to the importance of being fully vaccinated,” Vanderhoff said March 20. “This disease can be very serious, but it is preventable. I strongly encourage you to protect yourselves and your children by getting vaccinated.”
