Possible measles exposure reported at popular Ohio horse stable
As measles cases continue to surge across the United States, Ohio health officials are warning of a potential exposure at a popular horse stable.
The Tuscarawas County Health Department says anyone who visited Smokey Lane Stables in Sugarcreek on Friday, July 17, may have been exposed to measles after two people with active infections were at the facility that day.
Officials emphasized there are currently no active measles cases among Tuscarawas County residents, but they’re encouraging anyone who visited the stable to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.
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The U.S. is experiencing its largest measles resurgence in more than three decades. Just over halfway through 2026, the country has already recorded more measles cases than in any year since 1991, surpassing the record set just last year. Public health officials say more cases have been reported in the past 18 months than during the previous 25 years combined with the overwhelming majority occurring in people who were not vaccinated.
“There is no need to panic,” Dr. Jeff Cameron, Medical Director for the Tuscarawas County Health Department, said in a statement. “We are asking any community member who may have been exposed to measles to take precautions.”
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and a rash.
Anyone who was at Smokey Lane Stables on July 17 is asked to monitor for symptoms through Aug. 7. If symptoms develop, health officials recommend calling a healthcare provider before going to a doctor’s office or hospital to help prevent exposing others.
Health officials also encourage anyone who is unsure of their vaccination status to speak with their healthcare provider. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles.
“Having potential measles exposure in our area highlights the importance of being fully vaccinated,” Tuscarawas County Health Commissioner Katie Seward said in a statement. “Measles can be very serious; however, it’s also preventable.”
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