COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio health officials are warning travelers about a potential measles exposure at John Glenn International Airport earlier this month as the state reports a rise in cases.
Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff announced that individuals may have been exposed to measles at the airport on Feb. 18 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Health officials said those who were at the airport during that time and are vaccinated face a very low risk of becoming ill. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine are 97% effective against measles.
Those who were present during the specified time and are not vaccinated are being advised to monitor for symptoms through March 11. Anyone who develops symptoms is urged to stay home and contact a health care provider before seeking treatment to avoid exposing others.
State officials said they are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local partners to identify people who may have been exposed, including contacting passengers on specific flights.
Since the start of February, six measles cases have been identified in Franklin County, all involving children. Five of the cases are associated with an outbreak involving two households. There has been no specifically identified travel in those five cases, though officials said there is potential that members of the community may have traveled to an area with an active outbreak.
The sixth case involves international travel and is connected to the potential airport exposure. It is not associated with the local outbreak.
Five of the six children were unvaccinated, and one child had received only one dose of the MMR vaccine. The Franklin County cases are not linked to an outbreak in Cuyahoga County reported in January.
“These most recent cases highlight the critical importance of everyone being up to date with their vaccines, due to the risk of potential exposure anytime we are in large, indoor public venues, such as airports,” Dr. Vanderhoff said. “Measles can be very serious for children, and it is preventable. The vaccine can keep your child from getting this disease.”
Measles is highly contagious and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include a rash, high fever, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite, and red, watery eyes. The rash typically begins at the hairline, spreads to the face and neck, and then moves down the body. Diarrhea and ear infections are common complications, and more severe complications can occur.
Health officials said complications are more common among children younger than 5, adults older than 65, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Pneumonia is the most common cause of measles-related death in young children.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose administered between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old. The vaccine can also be given to adults who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
Ohio has reported nine measles cases so far in 2026. The state recorded 45 cases in 2025.