Ashtabula County Reports Two Measles Cases, Tracks Potential Exposures

Ashtabula County health officials reported two confirmed measles cases as of July 23, 2026, and are notifying people who may have been exposed at three public locations. The alert covers the county and nearby communities connected to the listed sites; it does not establish that both cases occurred inside the city of Ashtabula.

The Ashtabula County Health Department said it is coordinating with the Ohio Department of Health on follow-up investigations and vaccination efforts. The listed locations are potential exposure sites, not confirmed transmission locations.

Locations named in the health alert

Health officials identified potential exposures at:

• Sugarcreek Stockyard on July 17, 2026;
• Bloomfield Livestock Auction on July 18, 2026; and
• Hillcrest Hospital’s adult emergency department in Mayfield Heights from 2:46 p.m. to 10:57 p.m. on July 18, 2026.

The reported exposure period includes the listed time at each location and the two hours afterward. People who visited one of the sites during the relevant period should review their measles immunity records and contact a health-care provider promptly if they are unsure whether they are protected.

Monitoring period runs through Aug. 19

For people who are not immune and were exposed, the county’s reported symptom-monitoring window runs from July 24 through Aug. 19, 2026. That range is a monitoring guide, not a guarantee that symptoms will appear or proof that no later cases could occur. People with weakened immune systems may take longer to develop symptoms and should seek medical advice promptly after a possible exposure.

Common measles symptoms include fever, rash, cough, runny nose, loss of appetite, and red or watery eyes. Anyone who develops symptoms after a possible exposure should call a health-care provider before going to a clinic, hospital, or emergency department. Calling ahead allows staff to make arrangements that can help protect other patients and health-care workers.

How to check whether you are protected

CDC guidance says people may be considered protected through documented measles vaccination, laboratory-confirmed immunity or infection, or birth before 1957, although individual circumstances can vary. Residents without documented immunity should ask a health-care provider about vaccination and any other appropriate post-exposure steps.

Parents, schools, child-care providers, health-care workers, and people with weakened immune systems should pay particular attention to the alert. A potential exposure is not the same as a confirmed infection, but people connected to the listed locations should monitor their health and follow instructions from public-health officials.

The county health department and the CDC remain the key sources for updates as the monitoring period continues.

Sources

• Ashtabula County Health Department measles update
• WOIO Cleveland 19 exposure-location report
• CDC Measles Vaccination Guidance