The United States is in the midst of a significant measles outbreak affecting 24 states, including Ohio. So far in 2025, more than twice as many measles cases have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) than in all of 2024.

There have been seven outbreaks reported in 2025, and 93% of confirmed cases are outbreak-associated. At 712 confirmed cases as of April 10, the outbreak shows no signs of slowing down.

Who Is Vulnerable to Measles?

Measles is highly contagious and can be a very serious disease. And while measles is often thought of as a childhood disease, unprotected adults can get it too.

Adults over age 20 are more likely to experience serious complications from measles. What’s more, the older you are when you catch it, the higher your risk of dying from the disease.

Children under age 5 are vulnerable to serious complications, as are pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

What to Know About Measles

Initially, typical measles symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, redness and swelling of the eyes, a cough and tiny white spots in the mouth. A red rash develops after a few days.

More severe complications of measles include pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), both of which can result in hospitalization or death. For pregnant women, measles can increase the risk of a miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby.

Measles easily spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If one person has it, 9 out of 10 unprotected people nearby may become infected. If you are not protected, you can get measles just by being in a room less than two hours after an infected person was there.

For more information about measles, click on the CDC link below.

About Measles | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Because measles is so easily spread, the best way to prevent the disease in both adults and children is to get vaccinated with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Most adults who have had the measles vaccine do not need another one. But if you were vaccinated between 1963 and 1967, you may have received an early version of the vaccine that was found to be ineffective. See your healthcare provider if you were vaccinated during those years or if you do not have written documentation of receiving the MMR vaccine.

The CDC website has more details on how to determine whether you are protected from measles. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are not sure whether you and your loved ones have been properly vaccinated against measles.

Seeking Medical Care

If you suspect that you have measles and need treatment, help prevent the spread and protect others around you by doing the following:

• Call ahead prior to entering the emergency department, urgent care or doctor’s office.

• Follow the instructions given to you by the medical staff.

• Wear a mask when seeking medical care, and let the staff know that you suspect you may have measles.

Looking For a Provider?

If you are looking for a primary care provider, Aultman Medical Group Primary Care has more than 80 providers ready to take care of you and your family. Many of our offices are accepting new patients – and more than likely, we have a location in your community.

Visit aultman.org/NewDoc to find a provider in your area who is accepting new patients, or call the new patient hotline at 330-433-1264 for assistance with scheduling your appointment.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The StayWell Company, LLC