Measles

Active outbreak in Rockland County. 12 confirmed cases as of June 6, 2026. All cases in unvaccinated individuals. NYSDOH contact tracing ongoing.

What is it?

Measles is caused by the measles virus (morbillivirus) and is one of the most contagious infectious diseases known. A single infected person can infect up to 18 others in an unvaccinated population. NYS has experienced outbreaks in communities with low vaccination rates.

How it spreads

Airborne and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room. Contagious 4 days before and 4 days after the rash appears.

Symptoms

High fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and a characteristic rash that starts at the hairline and spreads downward. Koplik spots (small white spots inside the mouth) are a diagnostic hallmark.

Who is at risk?

Unvaccinated individuals of any age. Infants too young to be vaccinated and immunocompromised individuals who cannot receive the vaccine depend on community immunity for protection.

What you can do

Vaccine information

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles. First dose at 12-15 months; second dose at 4-6 years. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination history should get vaccinated.

Any confirmed case in a county triggers an elevated alert. Updated manually when NYSDOH issues outbreak notifications.