Latest news with #BruceVanderhoff
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Disappointed but not surprised': Measles cases explode in 19 states, new outbreak confirmed
(NEXSTAR) – Measles cases nationwide jumped dramatically this week, according to new numbers reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday. Nearly half of states are now reporting cases of the highly contagious virus, which can spread 'like a forest fire' through unvaccinated or undervaccinated communities. More Local News At least 483 cases are now confirmed in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington, according to the CDC. At the beginning of the month, the number of confirmed cases was just 164. Minnesota and Tennessee are the newest states to detect measles, and a new outbreak of at least 10 linked cases was confirmed in Ohio this week. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State 'Given the measles activity in Texas, New Mexico, and other states around the country, we're disappointed but not surprised we now have several cases in Ohio and known exposure in some counties,' said Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff. 'This disease can be very serious, even deadly, but it is almost entirely avoidable by being properly vaccinated.' Measles is considered one of the most contagious viruses in the world. 'On average, one infected person may infect about 15 other people,' Scott Weaver, a center of excellence director for the Global Virus Network, an international coalition, told the Associated Press. 'There's only a few viruses that even come close to that.' The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is effective at preventing spread of the virus, but childhood vaccination rates have dropped as more families claim exemptions for religious or personal reasons. The first MMR shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old. Measles isn't usually deadly, but it can have serious complications, especially for young children. Among kids with measles, about 1 in every 20 develops pneumonia, which can be fatal. Rare cases also suffer swelling of the brain called encephalitis — which can lead to convulsions, deafness or intellectual disability. Fourteen percent of cases this year have required hospitalization, the CDC says. Most of those hospitalized have been children. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
28-03-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Health officials confirm measles outbreak in Ohio; Kansas cases increase to 23
Health officials confirm measles outbreak in Ohio; Kansas cases increase to 23 Show Caption Hide Caption Measles outbreak: Who's at risk and who's likely immune from virus As measles continue to spread in the U.S., here's who is at risk and who's immune from one of the most contagious viruses in the world. COLUMBUS, Ohio — Health authorities announced a measles outbreak in Ohio on Wednesday, making the state among the latest to sound the alarm over growing numbers of infections. Ohio Department of Health officials said the outbreak consists of 10 people in Ashtabula County bordering Pennsylvania. Nine cases are linked to an unvaccinated man reported last week as the state's first measles case of 2025. In the central part of Ohio, there is also a confirmed case in Knox County, where a "visitor" exposed others to measles in the community and nearby counties. None of the individuals infected with the highly contagious disease were vaccinated. The announcement from Ohio health authorities comes as measles cases nationwide in 2025 have already surpassed 2024's total case count. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show 378 people in 18 states have been diagnosed with measles. The outbreaks are primarily in Texas and New Mexico. "Given the measles activity in Texas, New Mexico, and other states around the country, we're disappointed but not surprised we now have several cases here in Ohio and known exposure in some counties," said Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio public health department. "This disease can be very serious, even deadly, but it is almost entirely avoidable by being properly vaccinated. Measles is especially dangerous for young children, so I strongly urge all parents across Ohio to make sure your children are vaccinated. It is a crucial layer of protection that can save lives." Vaccination rates down in Ohio spark deep concern The CDC defines a measles outbreak as three or more related cases. Measles can spread quickly, and each case can lead to an additional 12 to 18 cases if people aren't protected against the disease. Ohio health officials warned that it was only a matter of time before measles reached the state, especially given an "alarming" decline in childhood vaccinations in the state. Vaccine rates for measles, mumps, and rubella — commonly known as MMR shots — in kindergartners dropped in Ohio from 89.2% in the 2023-2024 school year to 88.3% in the current school year, according to the public health department's recent school immunization report. This isn't Ohio's first outbreak in recent years. In 2022, Ohio had 90 measles cases, with 85 in central Ohio. Measles in the US: Here's what you can do to protect you and yours Where else are cases growing? Ohio is just one state where the number of measles infections has reached the point of becoming an outbreak. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirmed 23 cases in the state on Wednesday. Almost all the cases were among people under age 18: six cases among children age 4 and younger; 15 among people between the age of 5 and 17. Of those infected, at least 20 were not at all vaccinated. One person was not vaccinated at the appropriate age; one was vaccinated as recommended; and one case is pending. The outbreak is concentrated in the southwestern part of the state, according to Kansas authorities. Health officials elsewhere are worried about potential outbreaks. Washington, D.C. officials confirmed a case on Tuesday as the capital region is gearing up for its signature cherry blossom season, which attracts millions of people each year. In 2024, 1.6 million visitors visited Washington and its surrounding areas for cherry blossom season, according to National Cherry Blossom Festival organizers and Mayor Muriel Bowser's office. The famed blossoms are expected to reach their peak bloom — and peak tourism draw — this weekend. The person who contracted measles traveled on Amtrak's Northeast Regional route heading southbound on March 19. Contributing by Marina Pitofsky, USA TODAY Samantha Hendrickson is a medical business and health care reporter at the Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA TODAY Network. Michael Loria is a breaking news reproter at USA TODAY.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ohio Department of Health sounds alarm as measles outbreak grows in Ashtabula County
ASHTABULA, Ohio (WJW) – Ten people in Ashtabula County are confirmed to have measles, a sharp increase from the single case reported last week. The Ohio Department of Health said the outbreak is linked to one man, the first case of measles in 2025. Manhunt suspended for James Douglas Meadows, suspect in Lorain County police officer assault who is still at-large The man recently traveled, and the area is not being shared by the Ashtabula County Health Department, to protect the anonymity of the man. The nine new cases are linked to that same man and all of the individuals are not vaccinated. ODH said measles is a growing concern as cases continue to spike in Western Texas and New Mexico. 'Given the measles activity in Texas, New Mexico, and other states around the country, we're disappointed but not surprised we now have several cases here in Ohio and known exposure in some counties,' ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said. 'This disease can be very serious, even deadly, but it is almost entirely avoidable by being properly vaccinated. Measles is especially dangerous for young children, so I strongly urge all parents across Ohio to make sure your children are vaccinated. It is a crucial layer of protection that can save lives.' There is an additional confirmed case in Knox County, Ohio, as well. Guardians reach TV Deal: Here's how to watch The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a measles outbreak as three or more related cases. Measles can spread quickly, and each case can lead to an additional 12 to 18 cases if people aren't protected against the disease. The CDC reported 378 cases nationwide as of March 20. Ohio had 90 cases of measles in 2022, when an outbreak in central Ohio totaled 85 cases. The state had one measles case in 2023 and seven in 2024. Measles is extremely contagious and can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. It can be brought into Ohio by individuals who travel to places where measles is spreading. If people are not protected against the disease, nine out of 10 people who are exposed will become ill. The measles virus can live up to two hours in the air after an infected person leaves the room. Symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after a person comes in contact with the virus but it can take as long as 21 days in some cases. RECALL: Metal found in beef sticks sold nationwide, says USDA The measles vaccine (called MMR as it protects against measles, mumps and rubella) is safe and effective at preventing measles. Two doses of MMR are 97% effective against measles. If you are up to date on the measles vaccine, the risk of getting sick is extremely low. ACHD will take part in a Vaccination Clinic for Measles-Mumps-Rubella, Varicella, DTaP, Polio & Flu for Adults and Children on Thursday, March 27, from 3:30-5:30 pm at the Conneaut Human Resource Center, 327 Mill St., Conneaut, OH 44030. No appointment is required. Bring insurance cards and shot records if you have them. Some vaccines are available at no cost for those who qualify. A parent must accompany any minor. Call (440)576-6010, option #2, for more information. Dr. Vanderhoff held a news conference on March 18 to discuss Ohio's childhood immunization rates and to urge parents to get their children up to date on all recommended vaccines, including the MMR vaccine. You can find the video of that news conference on the ODH YouTube channel. More information about measles is available on the CDC website, including general information and the recommended immunization schedule. ODH also has a measles FAQ page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles outbreak confirmed in Ohio. Here's what you need to know
Ohio officially has a measles outbreak, the state health department announced Wednesday. The outbreak consists of 10 people in Ashtabula County, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) said in a press release, nine of which are linked to an unvaccinated man reported last week as the state's first measles case of 2025. There is also a confirmed case in Knox County, where a "visitor" exposed others to measles in Knox and nearby counties. None of the individuals infected with the highly contagious disease were vaccinated. 'Given the measles activity in Texas, New Mexico, and other states around the country, we're disappointed but not surprised we now have several cases here in Ohio and known exposure in some counties,' said Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, ODH director. 'This disease can be very serious, even deadly, but it is almost entirely avoidable by being properly vaccinated. Measles is especially dangerous for young children, so I strongly urge all parents across Ohio to make sure your children are vaccinated. It is a crucial layer of protection that can save lives.' Previous coverage: Measles is getting closer to Ohio. Here's what you can do to protect you and yours Measles cases nationwide in 2025 have already surpassed 2024's total case count. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show 378 people in 18 states have been diagnosed with measles. The outbreaks are primarily in Texas and New Mexico. The CDC defines a measles outbreak as three or more related cases. Measles can spread quickly, and each case can lead to an additional 12 to 18 cases if people aren't protected against the disease. Local health officials warned that it was only a matter of time before measles reached Ohio, especially given Ohio's "alarming" decline in childhood vaccinations in the state. Vaccine rates for measles, mumps and rubella — commonly known as MMR shots — in kindergartners dropped in Ohio from 89.2% in the 2023-2024 school year to 88.3% in the current school year, according to ODH's recent school immunization report. This isn't Ohio's first outbreak in recent years. In 2022, Ohio had 90 measles cases, with 85 of those being in central Ohio. Medical business and health care reporter Samantha Hendrickson can be reached at shendrickson@ or @samanthajhendr on X, formerly known as twitter. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ashtabula County, Ohio measles outbreak: What you need to know
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health officials stress vaccination as Ohio measles outbreak grows
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Ashtabula County has now recorded ten cases of the measles, with one of those infected known to have exposed others in Knox County in central Ohio. This jump in cases is not unexpected, but health officials are scrambling to stop the spread as the risk of more outbreaks continues to grow. As of March 20, the CDC reports just over 375 measles cases in the U.S., and that's not including the recent outbreak in Ohio. In an announcement from the director of the Ohio Department of Health, Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff says 'given the measles activity in Texas, New Mexico and other states around the country, we're disappointed but not surprised we now have several cases here in Ohio.' ODH officials report all of the individuals who contracted measles were unvaccinated. Vaccines have greatly lowered the threat of measles, but it is still a highly contagious disease. 'Typically what we see is it's spreading through the air. And a lot of times you might develop a cough, a high fever and eventually you can develop the rash,' said Shandy Dearth, director of public health practice at Indiana University. 'But you can spread it before you have any of those symptoms.' Ashtabula County with ten cases, is less than 300 miles from Dayton, and Knox County where an infected person exposed others is only 114 miles away — making the spread of measles closer than you may thing. Health officials remain adamant that vaccination is the best defense against the virus. 'The one that we have right now is alive but innocuous virus that you get as a part of the measles, mumps, rubella shot,' said Richard Kuhn, professor of biological sciences at Purdue University. 'The measles vaccine is one of the safest vaccines that we actually have.' Typically, the MMR vaccine is given to children in two doses between 12 and 15 months old, but anyone can the get vaccine at any age. ODH has said that the most vulnerable groups are young children, pregnant women and those who are immunocompromised. Officials stress that if you or your children have not gotten the MMR vaccine, they strongly encourage you do so. To learn more about the MMR vaccine, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
