Once considered to be eliminated in the United States, measles has reappeared in recent years due to some people foregoing vaccinations for their children.

As of Nov. 5, there were 44 outbreaks in 42 states already this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have been nearly 1,700 cases reported.

One case was reported in Cuyahoga County earlier this year and several cases were reported in Ashtabula County among a population that was not vaccinated, Dr. Megan Moini, a physician with Emerald Direct Primary Care in Beachwood, said.

The problem is likely to get worse because the vaccination rate has been declining, she said.

The vaccination rate in Ohio among children in kindergarten is only 85% and a vaccination rate of at least 90% (ideally 95%) is neede

See Full Page