Urgent Alert: 50 Measles Cases Linked to Major Airport - Are You at Risk?

COLUMBUS, Ohio - In a troubling announcement, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has reported potential exposure to measles for travelers at John Glenn International Airport. This exposure occurred on February 18, 2026, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. As public health officials navigate this situation, they emphasize the importance of vaccination and awareness.

According to ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, the risk of infection for vaccinated travelers is notably low. However, those who are unvaccinated and were at the airport during this timeframe are advised to monitor for symptoms until March 11, 2026. Symptoms of measles can include a distinct rash, high fever, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite, and red, watery eyes.

The health department is actively collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health officials. They are working to identify and inform individuals who might have been exposed, including reaching out to passengers on specific flights that operated during the exposure window.

This situation comes on the heels of a concerning rise in measles cases within the state. Since the beginning of February, ODH has identified six cases of measles in Franklin County, all involving children. Five of these cases are linked to a local outbreak, with connections traced to two households. Although there is no confirmed travel history for these cases, officials suspect that some community members may have traveled to regions experiencing active outbreaks.

The sixth reported case is associated with international travel and is not linked to the other five. Health officials state that five of the six affected children were unvaccinated, while one had received only one dose of the MMR vaccine. ODH clarified that these cases in Franklin County are distinct from a previous outbreak reported in Cuyahoga County in January 2026.

“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,” said Dr. Vanderhoff. “Measles can be very serious for children, and it is preventable. The vaccine can keep your child from getting this disease.”

As of now, Ohio has recorded a total of nine measles cases in 2026, a significant increase compared to the 45 cases reported in 2025. These figures underscore a concerning trend and emphasize the importance of vaccination, especially in light of increasing outbreaks across the country.

For those seeking further information, ODH has made available a measles FAQ page to help educate and inform the public about the disease and the importance of vaccinations. The situation at John Glenn International Airport serves as a reminder of the importance of public health measures and the role of vaccinations in preventing outbreaks, particularly in communal settings.