New York State Department of Health Warns of Potential Measles Exposure in Two Capital Region Emergency Departments

Vermont Resident, Case Related to International Travel, No Connection to Other Outbreaks in the United States

State Health Department Working Closely with Facilities and Local Health Departments to Monitor and Investigate Any Potential Exposures

All New Yorkers Urged to Ensure They're Current with All Recommended Immunizations, Especially Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Get the Facts About Measles Here

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 18, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health is warning of potential measles exposure at two Capital Region hospital emergency departments – Albany Medical Center and Saratoga Hospital.

An adult Vermont resident with recent international travel who sought treatment in both hospitals was later confirmed to have measles. Although the risk of infection is low, individuals who were in the Saratoga Hospital emergency department on July 14, 2025 are encouraged to contact the hospital directly as hospital staff are available 24/7. Potentially exposed individuals who were in the Albany Medical Center emergency department on July 16, 2025 have already been identified and contacted directly.

"Measles remains a threat to public health and exposure during travel is something we need to consider. It's important that New Yorkers ensure they are immunized against measles," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Protect yourself and your family against measles and make sure you are up-to-date on immunization with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine."

All partners are collaborating with Albany Medical Center and Saratoga Hospital to investigate the case and are taking the necessary proactive steps to prevent the spread of measles. Please note – Saratoga Hospital has implemented a mask requirement for all patients and visitors in its emergency room as part of its infection control procedure.

Albany Medical Center Executive Vice President and Hospital General Director Dr. Jason Mouzakes said, "As the region's only academic medical center and Level 1 Trauma Center, our Emergency Department is fully prepared for serious illnesses that may present at our doors. Our team acted immediately and appropriately to minimize exposure. We are working with the Department of Health and have notified those potentially exposed, offering vaccinations. The patient arrived masked and was immediately isolated at the hospital. The Department of Health was notified, per protocol, and we are continuing to monitor the situation."

All New Yorkers are urged to protect themselves by making sure they're up to date on their measles, mumps and rubella vaccines along with other important, lifesaving immunizations and be aware of health advisories when traveling with unvaccinated individuals, especially young children.

Measles is a highly contagious, serious respiratory disease that causes rash and fever. In some cases, measles can reduce the immune system's ability to fight other infections like pneumonia.

The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Those traveling should plan to be fully vaccinated against measles at least two weeks before departure. One dose provides 93 percent protection while two doses provide 97 percent protection.

Those who are unsure of their vaccination status should locate their vaccination records and consult their health care provider.

Babies as young as 6 months should get one dose of the MMR vaccine if they are traveling abroad. After travel, these babies should then continue to get their next two MMR vaccines on schedule for a total of three vaccines.

The Department issued a travel advisory on April 2, available to all health care providers, that includes specific MMR vaccine schedules based on the age of the traveler. Anyone who is not protected can get measles while traveling and can easily spread it to others when they return home.

Measles is caused by a virus that is spread by coughing or sneezing into the air. Individuals can catch the disease by breathing in the virus or by touching a contaminated surface, then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Serious complications of measles include hospitalization, pneumonia, miscarriage, preterm birth, brain swelling and death. Long-term serious complications can also include subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a brain disease resulting from an earlier measles infection that can lead to permanent brain damage.

A person with measles can pass it to others as soon as four days before a rash appears and as late as four days after the rash appears.

The incubation period for measles is up to 21 days. People who are exposed to measles should quarantine for 21 days after exposure and those who test positive should isolate until four days after the rash appears.

Symptoms for measles can include the following:

7-14 days, and up to 21 days after a measles infection

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes

3-5 days after symptoms begin, a rash occurs

• The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face 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 become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body.
• When the rash appears, a person's fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.

Those who aren't sure about their immunization status should call their local health department or health care provider. Those who were born before 1957 have likely already been exposed to the virus and are immune. Those who received the vaccine between 1963 and 1967 should talk to their health care provider about getting revaccinated. The Department's travel advisory urging New Yorkers to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles before international travel or travel to an area in the U.S. experiencing an outbreak, can be found here.

Health care providers should report suspected measles cases to their local health department.

Visit the Department's dedicated measles website here for information about the measles, immunization data, and information for providers.

More information about the measles vaccine can be found here.