COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio’s Department of Health reported the state’s first case of measles in 2024. The infected individual was a child in Montgomery County, prompting officials to work with local authorities to notify those potentially exposed to the virus. This marks the first case in the county since 2005, as no other cases have been reported at this time.
The outbreak comes on the heels of multiple measles cases across the country and other parts of the world, warranting an alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ODH stressed the highly contagious nature of measles, which can spread through coughing and sneezing.
Director Bruce Vanderhoff underscored the seriousness of measles, urging vaccination as the key to prevention. In 2022, Ohio reported 90 cases due to an outbreak in central Ohio, while there was only one reported case in the state the previous year.
The case serves as a reminder for individuals to prioritize vaccination efforts and be diligent in preventing the spread of measles. As the state grapples with this latest occurrence, health officials continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination to safeguard public health.