Active Public Health Outbreaks in Ohio
Situation Report: November 30, 2025
1. Vaccine-Preventable Disease Resurgence
As of late November 2025, Ohio is grappling with a significant resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, most notably measles and pertussis (whooping cough). Data from the CDC indicates that Ohio has entered a tier of elevated measles activity (10-49 cases) comparable to California and New York, though trailing the severe outbreak in Kansas (50-99 cases).
Contrast in Narratives: While the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) emphasizes that these outbreaks are "contained" within specific counties (originating in Ashtabula and Knox), national news sources describe the trend as an "alarming resurgence" driven by declining vaccination rates and international travel. The official state tone remains cautious but calm, whereas independent health monitors highlight the rapid week-over-week increase in case counts.
Measles Case Estimates by State (Nov 2025)
Source: CDC Measles Surveillance Data, Nov 2025
2. Foodborne Illness & Recalls
November 2025 has seen multiple multi-state foodborne illness investigations impacting Ohio. Unlike the localized respiratory outbreaks, these are driven by national supply chains.
| Pathogen | Source / Product | Status (Nov 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Listeria | Prepared Pasta (Giant Eagle / Walmart) | Active. 1 confirmed Ohio case; 27 national. |
| E. coli | Restaurant Chain (Chipotle link) | New. Cases reported in OH, NY, CA (Nov 24). |
| Listeria | Cheese (Ambriola / Boar's Head Supplier) | Recall. Precautionary recall issued Nov 25. |
*Note: The "Boar's Head" brand is involved in a new supplier-based recall in late 2025, distinct from the major outbreak seen in 2024.
3. Respiratory & Zoonotic Watch
Pneumonia & Respiratory Viruses
"Walking Pneumonia": A notable increase in Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children has been reported across Ohio, mirroring trends from late 2024.
Flu/RSV/COVID: As of Nov 21, 2025, general respiratory activity in Ohio is classified as "Low," though RSV is surging in neighboring southern regions, suggesting an imminent rise.
Avian Influenza (H5N1)
Status: Monitoring.
Following Ohio's first human case in February 2025 (a Mercer County farm worker), no new human cases have been detected. The CDC maintains the risk to the general public is low, despite ongoing infections in dairy herds and poultry flocks.