Individual recovering from county’s first confirmed measles case since 2010
DOVER – The Tuscarawas County resident who contracted measles is recovering well and didn’t expose very many people to the highly contagious virus, according to health officials.
Tuscarawas County Health Commissioner Katie Seward says this case is likely linked to the previously announced measles exposure when two infected Ashtabula County residents visited Smokey Lane Stables in Sugarcreek on July 17. She says the local individual, who was not vaccinated, did not travel much after that, so exposure was limited mainly to household members.
Seward said that all household members were healthy and the individual is no longer considered contagious. They have been advised to quarantine for about three weeks.
Seward says anybody who was at Smokey Lane Stables on July 17th should continue monitoring for symptoms that include fever, cough, runny nose, and red water eyes, followed by a rash. She says symptoms can develop as late as 21 days after exposure.
Seward says the vaccine in 97 percent effective against measles.
She says that effectiveness is why the health department previously hadn’t confirmed a case of measles in the county since 2010.
She says concerned individuals can check their vaccination status through the county health department. Officials there can search a vaccination database. If the information is not there, a health provider can figure out a person’s vaccination status by testing for antibodies. More information is in the press release below:
FROM THE TUSCARAWAS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT:
DOVER— The Tuscarawas County Health Department (TCHD) has confirmed a case of measles in a Tuscarawas County resident. The individual has laboratory-confirmed measles and is recovering at home. TCHD is working closely with the Ohio Department of Health to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed.
The confirmed case is likely associated with the previously announced measles exposure at Smokey Lane Stables in Sugarcreek on Friday, July 17, 2026. The individual was exposed during that event and later developed symptoms consistent with measles. This marks the first confirmed measles case in a Tuscarawas County resident associated with that potential exposure.
“TCHD has been actively monitoring individuals who may have been exposed and anticipated that additional cases were possible,” said Jeff Cameron, MD, TCHD Medical Director. “Our staff is conducting contact investigations and notifying anyone who may have had close contact with the individual while they were contagious. We encourage residents to remain vigilant, monitor for symptoms, and ensure they are protected against measles through vaccination.”
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Individuals with measles can spread the virus from four days before through four days after the rash appears. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area.
Symptoms typically develop 7 to 14 days after exposure but can occur up to 21 days later. Early symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
A rash usually develops three to five days after symptoms begin, starting on the face and spreading downward over the body.
Anyone who develops a fever and rash or believes they may have measles should stay home, avoid contact with others, and call their healthcare provider before visiting a medical office or hospital. Calling ahead allows healthcare facilities to take appropriate precautions to prevent further spread.
TCHD continues to recommend the following actions:
- Verify your measles vaccination status. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provide approximately 97% protection against measles.
- Monitor for symptoms if you were potentially exposed.
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately if symptoms develop.
- Stay home and avoid public places if you become ill until you have spoken with a healthcare provider.
“Our priority is protecting the health of our community while limiting additional spread of measles,” said Katie Seward, MPH, MBA, Tuscarawas County Health Commissioner. “The MMR vaccine remains the best protection against measles. We encourage anyone who is not fully vaccinated or is unsure of their vaccination status to speak with their healthcare provider or contact the health department.”
The confirmed case comes as Ohio and the nation continue to experience a significant resurgence of measles. Nationally, the United States has reported more than 2,300 confirmed measles cases in 2026—the highest annual total in approximately 35 years, with cases identified in dozens of states. Ohio has also experienced multiple measles outbreaks this year, underscoring the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage and responding quickly to potential exposures. Public health officials emphasize that while these increases are concerning, measles remains highly preventable through vaccination, and prompt identification and isolation of cases help limit further spread.
The Tuscarawas County Health Department medical office does not provide measles testing or treatment. Residents seeking testing should contact their healthcare provider. Individuals should not arrive at a healthcare facility without calling first if measles is suspected.
To schedule an MMR vaccination appointment or request immunization records, call the Tuscarawas County Health Department at 330-343-5555, ext. 1000.
Additional information about measles is available at www.tchdnow.org/measles.html.