Cuyahoga County has its first confirmed measles case this year, according to health officials.
A child who was not vaccinated for measles tested positive for the virus. Measles is highly contagious but can be prevented through vaccination, officials said.
The pediatric measles case was initially reported to the county on May 4, when the child sought treatment at the emergency department of Hillcrest Hospital, according to a release from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. On May 6, the board of health confirmed the case was positive for measles.
The child also visited Hillcrest Hospital on May 2 to receive lab work and was in the hospital’s atrium lobby between 3:50 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., potentially exposing members of the public who were also present.
“Hospital staff are working with our agency to contact those who were known to be exposed,” officials said in a release.
Officials said anyone in the atrium lobby during that time should stay home and quarantine if they do not have evidence they have immunity.
“Do not go to work, school or public places for 21 days to ensure that you do not become infected and pass measles to others.”
Those who suspect they were exposed to measles should contact their medical provider by phone prior to visiting their office.
What do we know about other measles cases in Ohio?
The measles case in Cuyahoga County follows the spread of measles across the country and in Ohio this year. In March, Ohio reported the state’s first case of measles in Ashtabula County, where there are ten cases. Another 14 confirmed cases in Knox County – central Ohio – were announced April 8.
Last year, Ohio saw seven reported cases of the virus in total. The last outbreak of measles in Ohio was in 2022, when 85 cases were reported in central Ohio.
Across the U.S., more than 1,000 measles cases have been reported so far in 2025, according to CNN.
What are the symptoms of measles?
The first signs of a measles infection include a hacking cough, stuffy or runny nose, red and watery eyes, high fever, sore throat and small, red spots with blue-white centers inside the mouth, according to information provided by Akron Children’s hospital. This can occur one to two weeks after exposure, according to the county board of health.
Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash will appear, usually on the forehead. It will spread down the neck, torso, arms, legs and feet. A high fever might accompany the rash.
How do I know if I have immunity from measles?
People who are immune do not need to quarantine.
A person is considered immune if they:
- Have had two doses of measles vaccination while at least 12 months
of age or older - Have had blood tests that show they are immune to the virus
- Were born before Dec. 31, 1956
The county board of health is asking the public to contact it at 216.201.2000 if they experience symptoms.
Can measles cases become serious?
Yes, measles can become severe and cause dangerous complications such as ear infections, croup, pneumonia and encephalitis, a swelling around the brain. In some cases, these complications can lead to death.
Children under age 5, adults over the age of 20, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of complications.
How contagious is measles?
Measles is very contagious and can spread from person-to-person through the air when a person coughs or sneezes or by touching something an infected person touched, such as a doorknob.
If one person has measles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9 out of 10 people nearby could be infected if they are not vaccinated.
The county board of health said that if a person is unvaccinated and has measles, they can infect up to 15 other people.
In an interview with Signal Akron, one infectious disease pediatrician characterized it as “the most contagious virus known today.”
Dr. Evelyn Pangonis, MD, a pediatric infectious disease physician and medical director of infection control at Akron Children’s said that “90% of unimmunized people who are exposed will develop a measles infection.”
Officials urge public to get vaccinated
The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine provides approximately 97% effectiveness at preventing measles with the protection of two doses, the county board of health said.
“The best way to prevent measles is vaccination,” the board said in a statement.
People who received two doses of measles vaccine as children — a first dose at age 12 through 15 months and a second dose at age 4 through 6 years — are considered protected for life by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Adults born after 1957 are considered protected if they have had one dose of the vaccine. The MMR vaccine can also be given to adults born after 1957 who are not vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
Adults who may be at high-risk for measles (individuals traveling internationally, college students or healthcare personnel) should get two doses separated by at least 28 days. It usually takes two to three weeks for individuals to be fully protected.
Signal Akron staff Sue Zake and Reegan Davis Saunders contributed reporting to this story.