Knox County, which is directly north of Licking County, has seen the cases in a recent measles outbreak rise from 3 to 14 in the past few days. Seven of those afflicted in Knox County are Ohio residents; all were unvaccinated against the virus.

According to 10TV News, Central Ohio has 24 known cases including the additional 10 infections in Ashtabula County. The 2022 Measles outbreak in Central Ohio numbered 85 cases, according to U.S. News and World Report. 

According to a Knox Public Health news release from this past Tuesday, all infected individuals are being isolated and their symptoms monitored. Anyone identified as potentially exposed to the virus has been both quarantined and aiding Knox Public Health in contact tracing. 

In 2000, measles was declared to have been eradicated in the US. However, Ohio’s low vaccination rate may be to blame for this recent reintroduction, according to Westerville pediatrician Dr. William Knobeloch. 

“[Ohio is] hovering just under 89%,” Knobeloch said. “Measles requires a 95% vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity and prevent outbreaks.” 

Measles is highly contagious – living for up to two hours in the air after an infected person has left the room, and possible to pass on even when they aren’t yet showing symptoms.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone who has received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has an approximate 97% protection against measles.