Measles Case Confirmed in Rockland

Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Leahy advise residents that a case of measles has been confirmed in a Rockland County resident after returning home from traveling a week prior, where a potential exposure had occurred. This person visited a healthcare facility on Wednesday, August 20th, and reported a rash on Friday, August 22nd, which was later confirmed to be measles. Known contacts are being traced and evaluated for immunity. Prior to this case, there had been no reported measles in Rockland County since 2019. Having learned critical lessons from the last measles outbreak, Rockland County is, and has been, committed to taking proactive measures to protect public health.

Measles is the most contagious disease on earth and can live in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left the room. About 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus become infected. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms may include a fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes), or runny nose. Symptoms usually appear 10-12 days after exposure but may appear as early as 7 days and as late as 21 days after exposure. Severe illness and complications can occur in people who are unvaccinated. Most severe complications are pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. Children younger than 5, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons are at most risk of serious complications.

Individuals are considered protected or immune to measles if they were born before 1957, have received two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, have had physician or provider-confirmed measles, or have a lab test confirming immunity. Individuals who are not immune to measles and are exposed to it are at risk of developing measles.

“The single best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated. We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves, their families, and all residents of our county by making sure you and your family are up to date on your MMR vaccinations,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health.

If you are unsure if you are immune, contact your healthcare provider. Individuals should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine to be fully protected. Typically, the first dose of the MMR vaccine should be given at 12-15 months of age, and the second dose should be given at four to six years of age, although individuals may also be vaccinated later in life. In New York State, measles immunization is required for children enrolled in schools, daycare, and pre-kindergarten. Since August 1990, college students have also been required to demonstrate immunity against measles.

Free measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines are available for residents six months and older by calling the Rockland County Department of Health at 845-364-2497 or 845-364-2520. In addition, MMR vaccines are available at local health care providers venues or by calling a local federally qualified health center, such as Refuah or Sun River Health Care.

“We are monitoring the situation closely to protect the community.  We will keep residents informed of any updates,” said Dr. Leahy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of August 19, 2025, a total of 1,375 confirmed measles cases were reported by 42 jurisdictions, including New York City (NYC), New York State (NYS), New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. There have been 35 outbreaks (three or more related cases) reported in 2025, and 92% of confirmed cases are either unvaccinated or have an unknown immune status. Measles cases have been confirmed this year in the Hudson Valley Region, including Putnam and Orange Counties. There had been 16 confirmed cases of measles in NYS- nine in NYC, four cases in Orange County, one in Suffolk County, one in Ontario County, and one in Putnam County.

The Health Department is asking all healthcare providers to immediately report all cases of suspected measles to the Rockland County Department of Health Communicable Disease Program staff by calling 845-364-2997 during regular business hours, or 845-364-8600 after hours/weekends. Healthcare Providers can call this number for additional information.

To prevent the spread of illness, the Department is advising individuals who may have been exposed and who have symptoms consistent with measles to contact their health care provider, a local clinic, or a local emergency department before going for care. This will help to prevent others at these facilities from being exposed to illness.

Severe illness and complications occur in people who are unvaccinated. The MMR vaccine is safe with two doses of the vaccine being 97% effective. Vaccination is the best prevention! Anyone not protected through past infection or vaccination is at risk of getting the disease.

For more information, visit the Rockland County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Health measles webpages. To get your vaccine, visit www.vaccine.gov.