Ohio's Measles Outbreak Over, Health Director Warns of Surge in Whooping Cough

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The measles outbreak in Ohio is over, at least for now, but whooping cough cases are increasing, according to the state health department.

While the national outbreak rages on in more than 30 states, Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health, said at a June 5 press conference that since the last known measles case reported in the state was in April, enough time has passed to declare Ohio's outbreak "closed."

While that doesn't mean the Buckeye State is out of the woods, as the U.S. currently has more than 1,000 cases, Vanderhoff explained that this "burst" pattern is typical for measles, where there will be a large outbreak of cases that phase out over a few months.

Ohio Context: Measles in Ohio: What to know about the outbreak, vaccines, day care and more

Ohio has reported at least 34 cases since the beginning of 2025, with one hospitalization and no deaths.

In 2022, Ohio had 90 measles cases, with a central Ohio outbreak totaling 85 cases of measles. There was only one measles case in 2024 and seven cases in 2024. The jump again this year is from people traveling and spreading measles, which are extremely contagious and can be spread to others by coughing and sneezing.

Vanderhoff encouraged Ohioans to get vaccinated against the highly contagious but preventable disease that can have serious consequences for infected children, including ear infections, pneumonia and neurological problems like brain swelling.

Whooping cough cases rising steadily in Ohio

While measles is fading away, Vanderhoff warned that cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, are on the rise in Ohio.

In 2024, Ohio had its highest case count since 2010 with more than 1,700 total cases. So far in 2025, Ohio has had more than 500 reported cases.

Another highly contagious and preventable disease that children typically are vaccinated for, pertussis can at first look like the common cold, but can develop into rapid, uncontrollable coughing fits strong enough to break a rib, as well as difficulty breathing.

Babies are more likely to have serious trouble breathing if infected. Babies may not cough at all and can develop apnea, or dangerously long pauses between breaths, as well as other respiratory diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Ohio has reported one pertussis-related death in 2025. Vanderhoff encouraged residents to ensure they and their children are up to date on recommended vaccinations for pertussis , known as DTap for young children and Tdap for older children, adults and pregnant women.

Ticks, mosquitoes and staying safe this summer

As summer ramps up, Vanderhoff also warned against tick and mosquito bites and the infections the insects may carry in the U.S.

This includes Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever in ticks and West Nile Virus and La Crosse virus in mosquitoes.

Lyme disease used to be rare in Ohio, but since has become common, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, while more rare, is also creeping into Ohio where it didn't years go, according to Dr. Steve Burdette, a professor of medicine at Wright State University and an infectious disease physician who spoke at the state's press conference. Serious complications can arise from these diseases beyond their normal symptoms, he warned.

More: Tick season is here. Why ticks are becoming more common across Ohio?

You can protect yourself against tick bites by avoiding tall grass and wooded areas, walking along the center of trails rather than on the sides, using insect repellants labeled for use against ticks and registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, tucking in clothing like shirts and socks to keep ticks on the outside of your clothing, and wearing light-colored clothing to help you spot ticks.

West Nile Virus from mosquitoes usually causes one or two deaths in Ohio each year, Vanderhoff said, and while La Cross virus is rare, it can cause serious illness, especially in children.

You can protect yourself from mosquitoes by wearing light-colored clothing to better see the insects, and wear long sleeves, pants and socks when outdoors. You might consider avoiding outdoor activities around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are particularly active. Since mosquitoes can bite through clothes, spraying your skin and clothing with a federal Environmental Protection Agency-registered repellent will also help protect you.

Medical business and health reporter Samantha Hendrickson can be reached at shendrickson@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: State health director says Ohio measles outbreak 'closed,' warns of rise in whooping cough