Potential Case of Measles Identified in Broome County Hospital

Binghamton, NY - The Broome County Health Department has been informed by a local hospital of a potential case of measles on September 26, 2026. The hospital took samples and sent them to NYSDOH Wadsworth Laboratory for confirmation testing; we are currently waiting on the results to confirm the symptoms. The potential case of measles is in a non-county resident, who came to our hospital for treatment. The individual has been hospitalized. The Broome County Health Department, and NYSDOH will complete case investigation and contact tracing.

What is Measles and what does it do?

Measles is a serious respiratory illness. Signs and symptoms usually appear between seven and fourteen days after exposure but could take as long as 21 days. Symptoms generally appear in two stages. In the first stage , which may last two to four days, the individual may have a runny nose, cough and slight fever. The individual may develop conjunctivitis (red and water eyes) and become sensitive to light. The fever typically rises each day, peaking at 103 to 105 degrees F. Small bluish white spots surrounded by a reddish area may also appear on the inside of the mouth.

The second stage is the third to seventh day, consisting of red blotchy rash lasting up to six days. The rash usually begins on the face and spreads downward and outward, reaching the hands and feet. The rash fades in the same way it started. An individual can spread measles about 4 days before the onset of the rash and 4 days after the rash begins. Typically, measles is considered a childhood disease, however it can be contracted at any age.

This disease is highly contagious, spreading from 1 individual to about 18 unvaccinated individuals at its highest. Comparing this to flu virus, flu spreads 1 individual to 2 others at its highest. The virus may cause serious health conditions such as pneumonia, brain swelling or even death.

It can spread through sneezing, coughing and remains in the air alive and infectious after a person has left. You can get measles simply by entering the room after an infectious person has been there within the last 2 hours.

If you are showing signs and symptoms of measles, stay home and contact your doctor. If you need to seek medical care, it is important to call ahead before arriving at the emergency room or urgent care. If you do not have a phone, please notify the medical personnel immediately upon arriving that you may have measles.

Measles used to be a very rare disease, however cases in the USA are on the rise. In NYS, many of our surrounding counties have already had confirmed cases. NYSDOH released a measles dashboard where you can see confirmed cases in our state https://health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/data.htm. This site is updated weekly.

Vaccination Facts

The best way to prevent measles is to vaccinate. Individuals receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine to be protected.

The first dose of the vaccine is typically given between 12-15 months of age, with a second given at 4 to 6 years old. Adults born before 1957 are considered presumptively immune. When there are known outbreaks in communities, infants 6 months and older may be able to receive an early dose. One does is 93% effective against the disease with two being 97% effective. Contact your doctor to learn more.

What's the risk to the public?

Those most at risk for infection are unvaccinated individuals, infants, children or adults such as pregnant people or those with a weakened immune system. The overall risk to the public is low, especially for people who are fully vaccinated. As of 1/1/2026 85.9% of Broome County residents had at least one measles vaccination, by 2 years of age.

The Broome County Health Department offers Measles vaccination (MMR) and other vaccinations to county residents who are underinsured or uninsured. Please call us to find out if you qualify for these vaccines. If you are not sure if you are vaccinated, you can contact your doctor to check your status or schedule a vaccine appointment. To check if you still have protection, you can have your blood drawn to check immunity. More information can be found: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/