Measles investigation, airport exposure notice, and city health funding moves in Columbus

ByBrian “Weence” Bateman

Columbus, OH – March 3, 2026 – Measles cases in Franklin County and an airport exposure alert lead local updates, alongside budget and crisis-care moves.

Columbus Public Health is investigating a cluster of measles cases in Franklin County, and state officials have also issued an exposure notice tied to John Glenn International Airport.

Measles: Franklin County cases and airport exposure notice

Columbus Public Health reported six confirmed measles cases in Franklin County, all in children under age 5. Health officials said five cases involve two households and most of the affected children were not vaccinated; one child had received a single dose of MMR vaccine. Officials said contact tracing is underway, and people who may have had contact with the children are being notified directly.

Separately, the Ohio Department of Health said travelers at John Glenn International Airport may have been exposed to measles on Feb. 18 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. ODH said vaccinated people who were in that time window are at low risk and said it is working with the CDC and local partners to identify and contact people who may have been exposed.

City budget: uninsured care and health-related cost pressures

Columbus City Council members said they plan to amend Mayor Andrew Ginther’s proposed 2026 operating budget to restore funding for several priorities, including health care for uninsured patients. The package of proposed amendments discussed at late-February hearings included $1.8 million for PrimaryOne Health, a network of federally qualified health centers that provides medical services, including vision care, for low-income and uninsured residents.

In budget testimony summarized in the same coverage, city officials pointed to rising personnel costs, including a reported 19% increase in health insurance premiums for city staff between 2025 and 2026.

Crisis response: expansion proposal tied to 911 calls

In separate city public-safety coverage, Mayor Andrew Ginther announced a proposed $1 million investment in Columbus’ alternative crisis response programs, aimed at helping people experiencing mental health and addiction crises. The proposal described funding for five new non-uniformed crisis response professionals to respond to certain 911 calls when there is no threat of physical harm. The same reporting said the plan also includes adding another clinician to the city’s 911 call center and adding a therapy dog as part of the response effort, with final spending dependent on City Council action on the 2026 budget.

Sources

https://www.wosu.org/2026-02-25/six-measles-cases-confirmed-in-franklin-county
https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2026/02/25/columbus-health-officials-measles-outbreak
https://www.wsaz.com/2026/02/26/health-department-warns-potential-measles-exposure-airport/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/columbus-council-reversing-many-mayors-110436587.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/ginther-pledges-1-million-crisis-013000006.html

If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.

Related

Brian “Weence” Bateman is a health and medical writer who covers public health updates, healthcare policy, and medical developments affecting communities across the United States. He works closely with dentists and healthcare providers and focuses on making complex medical information clear, accurate, and useful for everyday readers.