Ohio is currently experiencing a measles outbreak, with 10 reported cases in Ashtabula County and one in Knox County. All of the infected individuals were unvaccinated. Measles cases nationwide in 2025 have already surpassed the total case count for 2024. The outbreak is primarily in Texas and New Mexico. The CDC defines a measles outbreak as three or more related cases, and each case can lead to 12-18 additional cases if people are not protected against the disease. Vaccination rates for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shots have declined in Ohio, sparking concern among local health officials. The vaccination rate for kindergartners dropped from 89.2% in the 2023-2024 school year to 88.3% in the current school year. This decline in vaccinations has led to previous outbreaks in Ohio, with 90 measles cases in 2022, most of which were in central Ohio. Health officials stress the importance of vaccination to prevent the spread of measles, as the disease can be serious and even deadly, especially for young children. It is crucial for parents to ensure their children are properly vaccinated to protect against measles and other contagious diseases.
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