New York health officials are urging residents to make sure they are up to date on their measles vaccinations as cases continue to be reported across the state ahead of the new school year.
According to the New York State Department of Health's measles update, New York has reported 28 confirmed measles cases in 2026, including six in New York City and 22 elsewhere in the state.
Measles cases reported in New York City
The New York City Department of Health's measles dashboard reported six confirmed measles cases in the city in 2026 as of its most recent update.
City health officials note that measles remains common in some parts of the world and can be brought into the United States through international travel.
State health officials have also warned of recent measles activity in neighboring
Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as Ontario, Canada, raising concerns about additional exposures and transmission in New York.
Recent cases reported outside New York City
Recent measles cases have been reported by local health officials in several upstate counties, including Allegany and Seneca counties.
The Allegany County Department of Health recently reported three confirmed measles cases, along with additional presumed infections linked to a potential common exposure.
The Seneca County Health Department also reported a confirmed measles case in the county earlier this month.
State health officials report that 22 measles cases have been confirmed outside New York City this year.
Health officials urge New Yorkers to get vaccinated
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. It can also lead to hospitalization and, in rare cases, death, according to the state Health Department.
Health officials are encouraging New Yorkers to make sure they are up to date on their measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccinations.
The state recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for children and adults who are not otherwise immune.
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but imported cases and outbreaks in the U.S. and abroad continue to pose a risk.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Measles cases reported across NY as school year approaches. Here's what to know
