Measles

Measles is one of the most contagious (easy to spread) diseases and can be dangerous in babies and young children. 

The symptoms of measles include a fever, runny nose, cough, rash and red eyes. If you have these symptoms, call your doctor or Columbus Public Health – and stay home and avoid having visitors until you see a doctor.

Measles FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Measles FAQ – Arabic(PDF, 245KB)
• Measles FAQ – English(PDF, 203KB)
• Measles FAQ - French(PDF, 204KB)
• Measles FAQ - Haitian Creole(PDF, 200KB)
• Measles FAQ - Nepali(PDF, 247KB)
• Measles FAQ - Portuguese(PDF, 229KB)
• Measles FAQ - Russian(PDF, 301KB)
• Measles FAQ - Swahili(PDF, 243KB)
• Measles FAQ - Somali(PDF, 202KB)
• Measles FAQ - Spanish(PDF, 220KB)
• Measles FAQ - Tigrinya(PDF, 262KB)
• Measles FAQ - Ukrainian(PDF, 288KB)

The best way to protect against measles is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Children may get the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine instead, which protects against chickenpox too. 

Most people who are vaccinated with MMR & MMRV will be protected for life. Vaccines and high rates of vaccination have made these diseases much less common in the United States.

 The MMR vaccine is available from your family doctor, Columbus Public Health, and many local clinics and health centers.

Prevent Measles by getting the MMR vaccine. 

• Prevent Measles – Arabic(PDF, 329KB)
• Prevent Measles – English(PDF, 352KB)
• Prevent Measles - French(PDF, 275KB)
• Prevent Measles - Haitian Creole(PDF, 270KB)
• Prevent Measles - Nepali(PDF, 300KB)
• Prevent Measles - Portuguese(PDF, 272KB)
• Prevent Measles - Russian(PDF, 366KB)
• Prevent Measles - Swahili(PDF, 273KB)
• Prevent Measles - Somali(PDF, 271KB)
• Prevent Measles - Spanish(PDF, 273KB)
• Prevent Measles - Tigrinya(PDF, 308KB)
• Prevent Measles - Ukrainian(PDF, 393KB)

National Measles Data 

Visit the CDC's Measles Cases and Outbreaks for data and information about current cases and outbreaks in the United States. 

2022 Central Ohio Outbreak 

Click here to view data from Central Ohio's 2022 Measles Outbreak (Best viewed on a laptop or desktop).

Infectious Disease Reporting for Healthcare Providers

The Infectious Disease Reporting System is the combined infectious disease reporting system for health care provided in Franklin County, including the City of Columbus. The Columbus and Franklin County Public Health agencies have joined forces to make the reporting, tracking and investigation of infectious disease cases easier and more convenient.

Visit IDRS for more information.