Ohio Measles Outbreak Ends

The Columbus City Health Department tweeted today that the current measles outbreak in central Ohio reached 42 days or two incubation periods since the last rash onset in a confirmed case.

This milestone fits the U.S. CDC's definition of the end of an outbreak; however, 'we still have test results pending for suspected cases.'

Measles outbreaks are declared when the number of cases reported in an area is higher than the expected number of cases.

Around 90% of people who are not protected will become infected following exposure to the measles virus. 

As of February 3, 2023, the City of Columbus, Ohio, reported 85 measles cases since the initial cases were reportedpotentially connectedthese most unvaccinated children had been hospitalized.

Throughout the U.S., the CDC has reported two measles cases in 2 jurisdictions in 2023.

One of these new measles cases was reported in Kentucky, with a potential connection to the Ohio outbreak.

In response, the Jefferson County Public Schools, located near Lousiville, Kentucky, began conducting measles vaccination clinics at schools for about 10,000 under-vaccinated students.

The CDC reported on January 13, 2023, nationally, the 2-dose MMR coverage was 93.5% during the 2020–2021 school year.

Measles vaccines are generally available at clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.