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Mercer County health officials confirmed the county's first measles case of 2026 over the weekend, bringing the highly contagious disease to the Grand Lake region.
The case comes as the nation grapples with its largest measles outbreak in 35 years.
Mercer County Health District reported one laboratory-confirmed case of measles in a Mercer County resident in a news release Saturday.
"The health department is conducting follow-up investigations to identify potential exposures. Based on information currently available, the health department believes it is unlikely that this individual was exposed to the public during their infectious period," the release states. "However, there is evidence that measles is circulating in the region."
Ohio has logged around 300 confirmed measles cases so far in 2026. This is the most cases of measles logged in any year in the state in over a decade. The state logged just 45 cases in 2025 and seven in 2024. In addition, Indiana has seen about 100 confirmed cases.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to severe illness. It spreads through the air and can remain in the environment for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area.
Symptoms typically begin 10-12 days after exposure. Measles usually begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A red, blotchy rash usually appears a few days later, starting on the head and face and spreading down the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before through four days after the rash appears.
The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against measles. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles.
According to the CDC's vaccine schedule, the first dose is given at 12-15 months of age, and the second dose is usually given at 4-6 years of age, before starting kindergarten. Children can receive their second dose as soon as 28 days after their first dose.
In addition to vaccination, people are presumed immune to measles if they have had documented previous measles infection, or if they were born before 1957.
"Most people in our community are protected against measles," the release noted.
County health officials also encouraged families and individuals to call the health department to check their vaccine records and arrange to receive their first or second dose of the MMR vaccine, as applicable.
"Please follow your school or daycare's illness policies to keep sick children home. If you suspect measles symptoms or exposure, isolate yourself and seek medical care," the release states. "Please call the medical office ahead of your arrival to let them know to take precautions to avoid exposing other patients and staff."
The U.S. is enduring its worst year for measles since 1991, with nearly 3,900 reported cases, according to the CDC. The nation has seen eight reported measles-associated deaths in the past two years- more than the combined total of reported deaths over the previous three decades.
Since the beginning of last year, large outbreaks have been reported in several states. Pennsylvania has logged 1,004 cases, including 198 hospitalizations and five deaths since April, state officials said.
Other large outbreaks occurring over the last year in unvaccinated populations in Texas and Utah, as well as South Carolina, which previously had the largest outbreak with 997 cases reported.
Mercer County Health District officials advised they'd continue closely monitoring the situation and share additional updates as needed.
Contact the Mercer County Health District at 419-586-3251 with any questions, or to schedule a vaccine appointment.
-The Associated Press contributed to this report.
