Measles outbreak in Ohio: update

On March 25, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) announced a measles outbreak in Ashtabula County, with 10 reported cases. All infected people were not vaccinated. Knox County and other surrounding areas were also exposed to the virus due to an infected visitor.  The outbreak is the 6th in the US this year, with 607 cases reported nationwide by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). 97% are among unvaccinated individuals. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the ODH, encouraged people concerned about measles to get themselves and their children vaccinated, underlining the severe nature of the disease. However, Rebekah Crawford, an assistant professor in the College of Health Sciences and Professions, said people are becoming increasingly hesitant toward vaccines, which she attributes to increased disinformation on social media and a low level of health and science literacy. She added that the COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in vaccine hesitancy because concerns about the new COVID-19 vaccines have fuelled anxiety over routine childhood and adolescent vaccinations. A further problem is that immunocompromised individuals and very young infants cannot take the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, making them extremely vulnerable during outbreaks.
According to Crawford, the current outbreak could affect college campuses, where congregate living and crowded places provide spreading opportunities to infectious diseases. However, Brock Evans, a senior studying nursing, said he does not think the outbreak would stop students from going out and partying. He added that he is not worried about the situation because he takes precautions like washing hands and other hygiene practices.