New York State Department of Health Reminds New Yorkers To Ensure They Are Vaccinated Against Measles

Increases in Measles Cases Related to International Travel and Subsequent Exposure

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

ALBANY, N.Y. (December 1, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health is alerting the public to an increase in measles cases in parts of the state. To date, there have been 19 confirmed cases in New York City and 16 in New York State outside of NYC (Rest of State) for 35 total cases this year, amid a global and domestic increase in measles cases. There has been a growing number of diagnosed cases in the lower Hudson Valley since October stemming from measles acquired during international travel.

"Risk of inadvertent exposure across New York is increasing. Even one death from a preventable disease is tragic," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is the most effective tool we have to protect ourselves and our loved ones."

New York City Health Department Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said, "The MMR vaccine is highly effective at protecting and preventing the spread of measles. The large majority of New York City's 19 measles cases this year have been related to recent international travel, and almost all of those people were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. While the overall risk to New Yorkers is low thanks to high vaccination rates, and no current measles outbreak in NYC, there has been an increase in cases statewide and outbreaks across the country, making it all the more important to ensure your loved ones — especially children — are vaccinated against this potentially deadly virus."

The Department is working with county health departments and local partners to closely monitor and investigate any reported cases. Monitoring and investigation activities, such as contact tracing, are ways public health officials work to keep affected communities safe from the spread of infectious diseases. Anyone who is contacted during these activities is encouraged to be responsive so that important information can be shared to prevent more infections.

All New Yorkers are urged to protect themselves by making sure they are up to date on their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines and be aware of health advisories when traveling with unvaccinated individuals, especially young children. Infants 6 to 11 months old can receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine for protection before international travel.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

How Individuals Can Protect Themselves

  • Individuals should check their vaccination status. Anyone who is unsure of their vaccination status should contact a health care provider or local health department.
  • Know the symptoms. Measles often begins with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash typically appears several days later, starting on the face and spreading across the body. The rash may be accompanied by a fever that can spike above 104 F.
  • Those who are sick should call ahead before visiting a clinic, urgent care, or emergency department so infection-control steps can be taken.

Immunization Guidance

  • The MMR vaccine is highly effective and the best protection against measles.
  • Most people born before 1957 are considered immune because they were likely exposed to the virus. Those who received the vaccine between 1963 and 1967 should talk to their health care provider about getting revaccinated.
  • The Department urges New Yorkers to be fully vaccinated against measles, particularly before international travel or travel to areas of the U.S. experiencing outbreaks.

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 measles, current case numbers, immunization data, and information for providers.

More information about the measles vaccine can be found here.