21 Confirmed Measles in Rockland in 2025

County Department of Health Reminds Families to Get Vaccinated   

NEW CITY, NY, - Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) Commissioner Dr. Mary Leahy advises residents that Rockland has confirmed 21 cases of measles in 2025, 20 which occurred since October.

All confirmed cases have been in unvaccinated individuals, many of whom are children under the age of 5. Four children were hospitalized for complications, including one who was critically ill. Fortunately, all have recovered.

“Measles and the potential complications are preventable. We can all do our part to protect our most vulnerable community members - such as young children and individuals with weakened immune systems - by ensuring our immunity to measles. Anyone who is unsure of their immunity should seek vaccination as soon as possible,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Department of Health Commissioner.

MMR vaccines are available at local healthcare providers, local federally qualified health centers such as Refuah Health or Sun River Health, or at the RCDOH which can be contacted at 845-364-2497 or 845-364-2520.

All Rockland residents are advised of the following:

• Verify you and your family are immune. Check your records, ask your doctor, or consider a titer (a blood test that measures immunity) check, which can be done at a health clinic or your health care provider.
• If you are not immune or unsure about your immune status, it is best to seek MMR vaccination, unless you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.

Measles spreads through the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes. The virus remains in the air for up to two hours after someone infected with measles was present. Signs of measles include fever, rash, cough, red or watery eyes, and a runny nose. Symptoms usually show up 10-12 days after being exposed, but they can appear as early as 7 days or as late as 21 days. Initial symptoms are followed by a rash that starts on the face and moves downward.  Call your doctor before going for medical care, and they will advise you how to proceed so you do not expose others to measles.

Measles can cause serious problems like pneumonia, brain swelling, or even death, especially in people who are not vaccinated. Young children, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems are at the highest risk.

For more information, visit the Rockland County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Health measles webpages. 

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