New York's measles cases a concern

As the nation’s ongoing measles outbreaks spread, the spotlight shines on Pennsylvania, where more than 700 cases — and four deaths — have been reported. But New York is now contending with its own measles battle — one that’s gotten little attention so far but demands our scrutiny and concern.

All this comes at a time when trust in public health and science has eroded, and vaccine skepticism and refusal has exploded. That makes the full-force return of measles — with nearly 3,500 cases reported nationwide — harder to combat.

According to a state Health Department dashboard, New York has had 62 measles cases year to date, with most emerging in the last month. That’s already higher than the state’s 2025 total of 48 cases and its 15 cases in 2024. Contrast that with 2023 when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported just 59 cases nationwide.

New York’s last significant measles bout dates back to 2019, with more than 900 cases, mostly among ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities in Brooklyn and Rockland counties. In response, state lawmakers repealed the religious exemption to vaccinations required to attend public schools. That religious exemption ban helped the state avoid measles spread as high percentages of schoolkids received immunizations, including the MMR shot, protecting against measles, mumps and rubella.

Now, the only exemption in New York is for specific medical reasons. But more parents have sought ways to delay or avoid those requirements, by waiting to vaccinate, or homeschooling unvaccinated children.

They also seek medical exemptions. That option gained renewed attention on Long Island this week, when an Oceanside High School student was barred from attending classes after her exemption request was denied. The case highlights the importance of clear, limited medical exemption policies that protect vulnerable students, but don’t allow physicians or families to abuse the option or commit fraud.

It also underscores the potential danger in lower vaccination rates and the importance of “herd immunity,” where enough people are vaccinated to protect those who cannot be because they’re too young, immunocompromised or otherwise at risk.

So far there’s been just one measles case in Nassau County and none in Suffolk this year. Steuben and Seneca counties lead the way, with 10 cases each. Both have ZIP codes with vaccination rates — based on 2-year-olds who’ve gotten at least one MMR dose — below 40%. Long Island’s rates are higher, but still too low, with some ZIP codes at less than 70% of children vaccinated, meaning measles could quickly expand its reach here, leaving vulnerable children and adults more susceptible to the disease.

There’s a simple way to stop it. When enough of us are vaccinated, a blanket of immunity protects those who are not. The importance of broader public health takes precedence: Anyone who can be vaccinated must be.

For the babies too young to receive the MMR shot. For immunocompromised children. For those who are pregnant, or other at-risk adults. Protect yourself — and them.