ODH Announces Potential Measles Exposure at John Glenn International Airport
Chillicothe, OH – The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has announced that individuals at John Glenn International Airport on February 18, 2026, between 6pm and 9pm may have been exposed to a confirmed measles case. This case is one of nine confirmed cases in Ohio to date in 2026.
According to ODH’s media release regarding the incident, vaccinated individuals who were at the airport during that period of time are at a very low risk of getting sick. Unvaccinated individuals who were at the airport during the above date and time should watch for signs and symptoms of measles through March 11. Symptoms characteristic of measles includes a spreading rash that typically starts at the hairline, high fever, runny nose, persistent cough, decreased appetite, and red watery eyes.
Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. It is a viral infection that can remain active in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. The most effective way to prevent measles is vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is available at Ross County Health District’s (RCHD) Public Health Nursing Clinic. Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective; doses are typically administered at 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years.
We respect that some families have questions or cannot vaccinate due to age or medical reasons. Additional ways to reduce risk:
- Practicing good hygiene including handwashing, disinfecting, changing clothes upon arrival home (placing directly into the washer)
- Avoiding travel to areas experiencing measles outbreaks
- Self-isolating if symptoms develop
- Notifying healthcare providers in advance if measles is suspected
RCHD’s healthcare team is ready to address your concerns and provide guidance during this alert period. Early identification and proper precautions are crucial in preventing the spread of measles in our community. For vaccine appointments or additional information, please contact our nursing clinic at 740-775-1146.
More information:
About Measles | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC
Nursing Clinic – Ross County Health District
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About the Ross County Health District
The Ross County Health District (RCHD), founded in 1979, is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, which works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Ross County. RCHD is governed by a seven-member board of health and consists of six divisions: Administration, Child and Family Health, Environmental Health, Health Promotion and Quality Improvement, Public Health Nursing, and WIC. Learn more about the Ross County Health District at RossCountyHealth.org. For more information, please contact Sara Smith at sksmith@RossCountyHealth.org