**Related Video Above: CDC alerts public about recent measles outbreaks in late January.**
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW) — Ohio’s first case of measles in 2024 has been confirmed, the state department of health announced this weekend.
The infected individual is a child in Montgomery County (home to Dayton), and ODH stated that they are collaborating with local authorities to notify those who may have been exposed to the virus. This marks the first case in the county since 2005.
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As of now, no additional cases have been reported.
The Ohio case comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert following several measles outbreaks across the country and in other parts of the world. ODH emphasizes that measles are considered “highly contagious,” spreading through coughing and sneezing.
“Measles can be a very serious illness for anyone,” ODH director Bruce Vanderhoff said in a statement. “The key to preventing measles is vaccination. If you are not vaccinated, we strongly encourage you to get the vaccine.”
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Last year, only one measles case was reported in the state, but in 2022, 90 cases were reported during an outbreak in central Ohio.
