Measles cases under investigation; airport exposure window and City Hall health updates
Columbus, OH – March 2, 2026 – Measles cases in Franklin County and an airport exposure alert lead local updates on crisis response and uninsured care.
Measles investigation continues in Franklin County
Columbus Public Health reported six measles cases among children under age 5 in Franklin County. According to the health department, five cases involve children in two households and a sixth case involves a child in a third home with recent international travel. Health officials said contact tracing is underway to identify people who may need monitoring.
Columbus Public Health Director Dr. Mysheika Roberts told WOSU that the overall threat to the general public was considered low at the time of the report, while emphasizing the importance of vaccination for community protection.
Ohio issues airport exposure window tied to measles case
The Ohio Department of Health said people who were at John Glenn Columbus International Airport on Feb. 18 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. may have been exposed to measles. State officials said vaccinated travelers have a very low risk of becoming sick, while people who are not vaccinated were advised to follow public health guidance through March 11.
State health officials said they are working with the CDC and local partners to identify potentially exposed travelers, including reaching out to passengers on specific flights.
Mental-health crisis response: city adds funding for non-police teams
Columbus leaders announced a $1 million investment to expand the city’s Alternative Crisis Response Program. Reporting on the plan said the investment is expected to add a team of five non-uniformed experts and bring additional clinicians into certain 911 responses, with an aim of connecting people to appropriate behavioral-health services, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
The city’s Alternative Crisis Response framework includes multiple programs, including the Mobile Crisis Response Unit, which pairs specially trained responders with clinicians for certain calls.
City budget debate includes safety-net care and employee insurance costs
Columbus City Council members said they plan to amend the mayor’s proposed 2026 operating budget to restore or add funding for priorities that include health care for uninsured patients. The same report highlighted concerns from PrimaryOne Health that further reductions in city support could lead to service cuts for the clinic network that serves many low-income and uninsured residents.
During budget hearings, the city’s finance director said rising costs remain a pressure point, including an increase in health insurance premiums for city staff cited at 19% from 2025 to 2026. Council was expected to vote on amendments at a March 2 meeting.
Sources
- https://www.wosu.org/2026-02-25/six-measles-cases-confirmed-in-franklin-county
- https://www.wlwt.com/article/ohio-potential-measles-exposure-john-glenn-columbus-airport/70500557
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/columbus-invests-1m-expand-non-212832732.html
- https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Public-Safety/Alternative-Crisis-Response
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/columbus-council-reversing-many-mayors-110436587.html
If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.
