Guarding against measles, as outbreaks are reported across 20 states

A leading U.S. health official is urging Americans to get vaccinated against measles as major outbreaks spread across multiple states, putting the country at risk of losing its measles elimination status. Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is encouraging people to take the measles seriously and get vaccinated against the highly contagious viral infection. “Take the vaccine, please. We have a solution for a problem,” Oz said. “Not all illnesses are equally dangerous, and not all people are equally susceptible to those illnesses, but measles is one you should get your vaccine.” Barbara Jordan, an epidemiologist at the Toledo Lucas County Health Department, said measles spreads through respiratory droplets when people sneeze, cough or talk. “That’s what makes it so contagious, plus it can live in the air for up to two to four hours,” Jordan said. According to the CDC, Ohio is one of 20 states to have confirmed measles cases reported so far this year. While there are no reported cases of measles in Lucas County, Jordan said the disease predominantly impacts unvaccinated individuals. “We worry about our little ones under five years of age, those that are immunocompromised and we also worry about pregnant women,” Jordan said. If someone suspects they have been exposed to measles, health leaders recommend isolating and contacting a doctor. “Let them know that you’ve been in contact with someone with measles and then monitor because you can become impacted with measles anywhere from 7 to 21 days after exposure,” Jordan said. People who want to get vaccinated can contact their primary care physician or reach out to the Toledo Lucas County Health Department to obtain a vaccination, Jordan said. The CDC reports that as of Feb. 5, 2026, 733 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States.