Measles Still on Rise in Neighboring Counties; Vaccination Encouraged
Published on September 16, 2026
Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is alerting the community that measles cases are continuing to be prevalent in neighboring counties, including Cayuga, Cortland, Tioga and Seneca Counties. Measles is a highly contagious virus and spreads rapidly among those who are unvaccinated. Being unvaccinated increases risks for severe complications, hospitalization and death. Those most at risk of infection include unvaccinated infants, children or adults (excluding those who were born before 1957, who are considered immune), pregnant persons, and those with weakened immune systems. TCWH urges everyone to be vaccinated against measles. A complete vaccination (two-dose series of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine) is safe and effective at preventing infection.
TCWH Commissioner Jennie Sutcliffe stated, “While there are still no cases of measles in Tompkins County residents, we want the community to know that we are actively monitoring the emerging situation, working in close coordination with NYS Department of Health, the local health departments of our neighboring counties, and with our healthcare system. We will continue to keep the community informed about the prevalence of measles in our region and urge anyone who is not vaccinated to talk with their healthcare provider or call our office for more information.”
The measles virus is easily spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by direct contact with a contaminated surface. Symptoms can take from 7 days up to 21 days from exposure to occur. Measles can often be mistaken for other respiratory illnesses, as symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny or congested nose, sore throat and watery eyes. A red and blotchy rash may occur within 3-5 days following the start of cold-like symptoms, with the rash usually appearing on the face first. The rash may spread down the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet, and spots may join together as they spread. When the rash appears, fever temperatures may rise above 104° Fahrenheit.
If you suspect you were exposed to measles, contact our Division of Community Health at 607-274-6604. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for measles may be given within 72 hours of exposure to prevent infection or lessen the severity of the disease in people who do not have immunity and were exposed to the virus.
If you develop symptoms, please call your healthcare provider or contact our office. Let the provider or answering service know that you have been exposed to measles or what symptoms you are experiencing. Please do not go to the Emergency Room, Urgent Care, or a doctor’s office without first calling to avoid potentially exposing other people to measles. Because measles can spread quickly and easily through the air, it is very important to seek advice over the phone first to reduce risk of further spreading the virus. This also gives healthcare facilities an opportunity to take safety measures, such as placing you in an isolated room immediately, to prevent spreading the virus to other vulnerable patients in the waiting room or other areas.
Complications from measles are serious and include very high fever, ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Risks also include permanent loss of hearing, vision, and the development of learning disabilities. There is no cure for measles, only treatment for symptom relief. Measles is especially dangerous for those who are unvaccinated, for young children, and for those who are immunocompromised.
TCWH Medical Director Dr. William Klepack stated, “Measles is a terrible virus with a very high infection rate in unvaccinated populations. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing infection. This means that while the vaccine is very effective at preventing illness, there is a risk that 3 out of every 100 vaccinated people could still get measles if they come into close contact with an infected person. The risk if you are not vaccinated is much greater.” Dr. Klepack continued, “We strongly encourage families to make sure their children, especially those under age 5, stay up to date on their vaccination schedule. Children should get their first MMR vaccine at 12 through 15 months old (as soon as possible within this time-period). The second dose may be given as soon as one month after the first dose based on the recommendation of the pediatrician but is typically given between 4 and 6 years of age. At this time, and in most cases, there is no need to seek early vaccination for your infant and maintaining the routine immunization schedule is advised. If your infant has exceptional circumstances or will be traveling to a high-risk area, seek the advice of your child’s practitioner.”
TCWH advises all who have not been vaccinated against measles or have had only one dose to contact their healthcare provider or our office to get up to date with their vaccinations. Call our office at 607-274-6604 or visit our website to learn more about Whole Health’s Community Health Division and Immunization Clinics: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health/immunizations