Multiple cases of measles reported in Orange County

May 12

Written By HVNY

Three children under the age of 5 living in Orange County have measles, the county’s Department of Health officials have announced.

Seven cases of measles have been reported in New York State this year so far. On April 2, the New York State Department of Health issued a travel advisory that includes specific MMR vaccine schedules based on the age of the traveler, saying “anyone who is not protected can get measles while traveling and can easily spread it to others when they return home.”

The patients, all less than 5 years of age, recently traveled internationally and reside in Orange County. No additional exposures outside of immediate family members are known to have occurred at this time, according to the state health department.

Health officials in Orange County are asking all residents to make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations to stay protected.

"Vaccination is a safe and effective way to ensure the health and safety of our families and our community,” said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus. “I urge all residents to review their vaccination records and speak to their healthcare providers if they have any questions."

Neighboring counties are also urging residents to be up-to-date on vaccinations, especially if traveling.

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.

Measles symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to appear. Symptoms include:

High fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
3-5 days after symptoms start, a red rash begins, usually starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body
Small, raised bumps may appear on top of the red spots
The rash can spread and merge together
Fever may rise to over 104°F when the rash appears

A person with measles can spread it to others from 4 days before the rash appears to 4 days after the rash appears.

While measles is often thought of as a childhood disease, people of any age can get it. The best way to prevent measles is by being vaccinated.

To be fully protected, a person needs two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Additional cases, and more information may be reported to the Orange County Department of Health at 845-291-2330.

More information: https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-05-08_measles.htm