Measles Update

For confirmed measles cases in 2026, please see the Measles Dashboard.

Everyone should make sure they have received their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines.

Measles is a serious disease that can make people very ill, especially young children. Complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, miscarriage, preterm birth, hospitalization, and death.

Everyone should be alert for symptoms and call their health care provider or local health department if they have a fever and rash, especially if they have travelled abroad. Babies 6 months and older who are traveling abroad should be vaccinated for measles.

New York State's Measles Response

UPDATE: On October 5th, 2026, Governor Hochul signed an executive order declaring a Disaster Emergency in response to rising measles case rates. The executive order frees up resources to enhance the state’s measles response including:

• Expanded pool of healthcare professionals who can administer vaccines now includes paramedics, pharmacists and midwives.
• Allows nurses to order testing.

See the full executive order.

We are encouraging all New Yorkers to ensure that they have received the MMR vaccine.

What is measles?

Measles is a serious respiratory disease that causes rash and fever. It is very contagious. People with measles spread the virus by breathing, coughing, or sneezing into the air. You can catch the disease by breathing in the virus or by touching an infected surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. You can get measles just by entering a room that a person with measles visited up to two hours before.

Why are we concerned?

Measles has been increasing in many locations around the world. In addition, there have been recent cases in New York City and New York State, as well as in neighboring Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Ontario, Canada. There is concern of continued spread leading to more cases here in New York State, and so we are raising awareness about signs and symptoms of measles to quickly identify the disease and prevent transmission.

What is the best way to prevent measles?

Getting the measles vaccine is the best way to prevent measles.

You are considered vaccinated against measles if you have written proof of 2 valid doses of MMR vaccine, or other vaccines that protect against measles.

You are also considered immune to measles if you have a lab report of immunity, or you were born before 1957.

Anyone who has not been vaccinated against measles should receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine. However, two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for all children and adults. This includes, in particular, health care personnel, college students, and international travelers. The doses should be given at least 28 days apart.

Two doses of the measles vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus. One dose is about 93% effective.

Vaccines are available from pediatricians and other health care providers.

We recommend that all children get 2 doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Children should get their first MMR shot at 12 through 15 months old (as soon as possible within this time-period). The second dose may be given as soon as one month after the first dose. But it is usually given between 4 and 6 years of age.

An early dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for children 6-11 months of age who will be traveling internationally or live in or visit an outbreak setting. These children will still need the 2 routine doses given at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age to ensure protection. Therefore, they will receive a total of 3 MMR vaccines. Two doses of the measles vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus.

• More information about the measles vaccine (CDC.gov)

Vaccinating children against measles helps protect them and the people around them. When more children and adults are vaccinated, it is harder for measles to spread in families and communities. This also helps protect babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated and people who may not be able to get vaccinated.

How does measles spread?

Measles spreads through the air and is one of the most contagious diseases. Up to 90% of those who are not immune to measles will get measles when they are exposed.

What are the symptoms?

7-14 days, and up to 21 days after a measles infection, symptoms usually include:

• high fever (may spike to more than 104° when rash appears)
• cough
• runny nose (coryza)
• red, watery eyes

3-5 days after symptoms begin a rash occurs:

• The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
• Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
• The spots may appear joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body.

How long is a person with measles contagious?

A person with measles can pass it to others from 4 days before a rash appears through the 4th day after the rash appears.

If my child or another family member has been exposed to measles, what should I do?

Immediately call your local health department or health care provider for advice. You may be able to get vaccinated or receive immunoglobulin (IG) to prevent disease.

What are the complications of measles?

A small number of people who get measles will need to be hospitalized and could die. Many people with measles have complications such as diarrhea and ear infections. Serious complications include pneumonia and brain swelling. Long term serious complications can also include subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a brain condition that can lead to permanent brain damage and death. Additionally, measles during pregnancy increases the risk of early labor, miscarriage, and low birth weight infants.

What should I do if I think I or my child has measles?

Stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. If you have measles, you could spread it to others. That's why it's best to call your health care provider or emergency room before going there, if you or your child needs to be seen. They can tell you the best way to get checked without infecting others. Tell your health care provider or local health department if you, or your child, spent time with other people in the days before or after the measles rash began. These people may be at risk of getting measles themselves. Their health care providers or local health department might offer them a vaccine or immunoglobulin (IG) to help prevent them from getting measles.

We have someone infected with measles at home. Can we be around others?

People who are sick with measles need to stay home until they are no longer contagious. Their close family members are also at risk of getting measles if they are not already vaccinated against measles. If they have not previously been vaccinated against measles, they may be eligible for preventive vaccine or immunoglobulin. They may also need to stay home for up to 21 days after they were exposed to measles. A person can spread measles to others even before they begin to feel sick. If you have measles in your house, please talk to your health care provider or the local health department as soon as possible. They will tell you how long you and your family members should stay home and what to do if anyone else gets sick.

Is there a treatment for measles?

There is currently no treatment for measles, but acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be taken to reduce a fever. People with measles also need bed rest and fluids. They also may need treatment for complications such as diarrhea, an ear infection, or pneumonia.

If my child or another family member has been exposed to measles, what should I do?

Immediately call your local health department or health care provider for advice. Never been vaccinated? Get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine within 3 days of being exposed. This may prevent you from getting measles. Some people may need to receive immunoglobulin (IG) – antibodies to the measles virus. It should be given within 6 days of being exposed. This may prevent or lessen the severity of measles. Pregnant women can get immunoglobulin (IG) though they can't get the MMR while they are pregnant.

What should I do if I'm not sure I was vaccinated against measles?

Check with your health care provider. If you were born before 1957 it's likely that you have been exposed to the virus and are immune. If you were born between 1957 and 1971, the vaccine you received may not have been as reliable. Ask your doctor if you've been properly vaccinated.

• Locating Old Immunization Records

What should I or my family members do to prevent measles if we are traveling out of the country?

Measles is still common in many other countries. Make sure you and your children are fully vaccinated against measles at least 2 weeks before traveling outside the U.S.

Children, adolescents, and adults should have 2 doses of MMR vaccine, given at least 28 days apart.

Traveling with a baby 6–11 months old?

An early dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for infants 6–11 months old who are traveling internationally or live in or visit an outbreak setting. This early dose helps protect them against measles, but it does not count toward the 2 routine doses recommended for children.

Children who receive an early dose will still need their routine MMR doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years of age, for a total of 3 MMR vaccinations. This is because maternal antibodies or a baby's developing immune system may make the early dose less likely to provide long-term protection.

My child is younger than 6 months. How can I protect them from getting measles?

Babies younger than 6 months are too young to get the MMR vaccine. You can help protect your baby by making sure family members and others who spend time around your baby are vaccinated against measles.

If you think your baby has been exposed to measles, call your health care provider right away. Your baby may be able to receive a medicine called immunoglobulin (IG) to help protect them after an exposure.

Can babies 6–11 months old get the MMR vaccine? Is it safe?

Yes. The MMR vaccine can be safely given to babies as young as 6 months when they are at increased risk of being exposed to measles. This includes babies who are traveling internationally or, in some outbreak settings, when an early dose is recommended by public health officials.

An early dose helps protect babies if they are at greater risk of being exposed to measles. A dose given before a child's first birthday does not count toward the 2 routine MMR doses. Children who receive an early dose will still need an MMR vaccine at 12–15 months and another dose at 4–6 years of age.

Why does my baby need 2 more doses if they received the MMR vaccine at 6–11 months?

Babies' immune systems are still developing, and antibodies passed from the mother during pregnancy can affect how well an early dose provides long-term protection. This is why an MMR vaccine given before 12 months provides early protection but does not replace the 2 routine doses recommended after a child's first birthday.

Can I breastfeed/chest feed after getting an MMR vaccine?

Yes. It is safe to breastfeed or chest feed after getting the MMR vaccine. Breastfeeding or chest feeding does not interfere with your response to the vaccine, and getting the MMR vaccine while breastfeeding or chest feeding does not harm your baby

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