Schuyler County, NY, November 10, 2026– Schuyler County Public Health is notifying the community that an unvaccinated individual has been diagnosed with measles. This is the first confirmed case identified in the county as part of the ongoing outbreak in the region. Based on the information available to the health department, they have not identified any public exposure risks. The health department urges community members to check that they are vaccinated against measles.

“Measles is a virus that can spread very easily and quickly when people aren’t immune,” shared Jill Kasprzyk, Schuyler County Public Health Director. “We recommend that community members make sure they are protected against measles. Vaccination remains the best way to prevent measles.”

Schuyler County Public Health shared the following facts about measles:

• Measles is a germ that can spread very easily. When a person with measles coughs or sneezes, the virus gets into the air. The measles virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after a person with measles leaves a room. It is so contagious that if one person has measles and is near 10 people who are not protected, up to 9 of them will get it.
• Getting the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect you, the people around you, and our community. Almost all people who get vaccinated will be protected from measles for life.
• Measles can be dangerous to anyone who is not immune, but it is especially dangerous for children under 5 years old.
• People are considered immune to measles if they have received 2 doses of a vaccine against measles (such as the MMR or MMRV vaccine) or were born before 1957.
• Measles symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after being exposed to the germ, though it can sometimes take up to 21 days. Common symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and rash.
• Measles can also cause serious health problems. These can lead to hospitalization, and sometimes even death. This includes problems like lung infections (pneumonia), swelling of the brain (encephalitis), miscarriage, and preterm birth.
• If you think that you or someone in your home has measles, take steps to keep other people from getting sick.
  • Make sure to stay away from others to keep them from getting sick.
  • If you need to visit a healthcare provider, urgent care, or emergency room, be sure to call ahead before showing up so they can take steps to protect others.

For current confirmed measles case numbers in Schuyler County and the rest of the state, view the New York State Department of Health’s Measles Dashboard. The dashboard is updated regularly and can be found at: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/data.htm.

Schuyler County Public Health's mission is to protect and empower the community to be safe, healthy and prepared. Schuyler County Public Health’s vision is a connected community of healthy people and safe places.

For more information, visit Schuyler County Public Health online at www.SchuylerCountyNY.gov/PublicHealth or follow Schuyler County Public Health on Facebook and Instagram.