Active measles outbreaks have been confirmed in two states — Texas and Ohio — with cases spreading to multiple counties and health officials urging all unvaccinated residents to get vaccinated immediately. Ohio has declared its third measles outbreak of 2026, with 15 cases reported statewide this year. In Texas, the Texas Department of State Health Services issued a health alert after four cases were confirmed in unvaccinated residents of Montgomery County, all members of the same family, after an out-of-state traveler brought the virus into the area. All confirmed cases in both states involve unvaccinated individuals.
What Is Happening In Texas And Ohio?
In Texas, four cases of measles were reported in unvaccinated residents of Montgomery County after a person with measles traveled to Texas from out of state. Health officials have alerted clinicians and the public and are urging anyone in the area who is unvaccinated to get the MMR vaccine immediately.
In Ohio, the outbreak began with three cases in Ashtabula County and one in Tuscarawas County, all unvaccinated individuals aged 4 to 30. It has since grown with five new cases confirmed in Geauga County, linked to a horse sale on July 18 in Trumbull County. Ohio Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff noted that vaccination rates among Ohio kindergarteners have slipped from 89.9% to 85.4% in recent years — a gap that creates conditions for exactly these outbreaks.
Why Is Measles So Dangerous?
If people are not protected against measles, 9 out of 10 people who are exposed will become ill. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a space, making indoor gatherings especially high-risk. Symptoms begin 7 to 21 days after exposure and usually start with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash spreading from the face downward. Severe complications include pneumonia, brain inflammation, and in some cases death. One out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of measles death in young children.
What Should You Do?
Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the most effective protection — two doses are more than 97% effective. If you are unvaccinated or unsure of your status, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist to get vaccinated. If you think you have been exposed to measles, call your healthcare provider before going to their office to minimize exposure to others. Seek emergency care immediately if you or a child develops difficulty breathing, confusion, severe weakness, or signs of dehydration.
