As of 3 October 2026, New York State had reported 108 confirmed measles cases across 18 counties, including seven in New York City. Most cases (92) occurred since mid-July, primarily in under-immunized rural communities. On 5 October, the governor declared a state disaster emergency to expand access to vaccination and testing.
Neighboring Pennsylvania reported more than 1’000 cases as of 5 October and five measles-associated deaths. The outbreak is centered in Lancaster County and has spread to 39 counties, including four bordering New York, raising concerns about further cross-border transmission.
Reminder to all travellers and students: Measles spread quickly and can be dangerous - protection is simple: get vaccinated!
Swiss recommendations: All persons born after 1963 who have no documented protection against the infection (antibodies or 2 documented vaccinations) should be vaccinated twice with MMR vaccine at one month interval. In the event of an epidemic in the region or contact with a measles case, vaccination is recommended from the age of 6 months.