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Measles spread to another Ohio county as cases grow
Akron Beacon Journal • • health
Key Points:
- Ohio is experiencing its third measles outbreak of 2026, with 133 cases reported across 15 counties, though new weekly cases have recently declined from 15 to 11.
- Nationwide, measles cases have reached a 35-year high with 2,295 cases reported in 2026, surpassing the total for all of 2025, a resurgence linked to declining vaccination rates and weakened herd immunity.
- Ohio's MMR vaccination coverage for children and adolescents was 91.5% in 2023, below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, contributing to increased measles vulnerability.
- Health officials emphasize the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective against measles, and urge residents to get vaccinated to prevent further outbreaks and serious complications.
- Despite President Trump's executive order to separate the MMR vaccine into three individual shots, medical experts warn this approach reduces overall vaccination rates and protection without health benefits.
