Positive Case of Measles Identified in Broome County Hospital
Binghamton, NY – The Broome County Health Department has received confirmation that the patient presenting with measles exposure and symptoms to a local hospital on September 26, 2026, is a positive measles case. The patient is a non-county resident who has been discharged. The Broome County Health Department and NYSDOH have collected contact information for all individuals who were exposed at our local hospital, completed contact tracing, treatment and follow-up as needed. We are working closely with the resident’s local health department for case investigation. "The Broome County Health Department team did an excellent job working with the hospital system, notifying residents and getting care to help reduce spread in our community," said Olivia Catalano, Director of Public Health.
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 watery 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 a 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 the flu virus, flu spreads from 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 and 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. With this positive confirmed case, an important note is that this person is not a county resident, thus we will still show zero cases confirmed in Broome county. While the case was treated at our local hospitals, at this time, we currently have no Broome County residents who have tested positive for measles. This case will update in the numbers for the county where the resident is from.
Vaccination Facts
The best way to prevent measles is to vaccinate. Individuals receive 2 doses of the 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 dose is 93% effective against the disease, with two doses 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. “Thanks to the clear communication from our positive individual and a prompt response from our local hospital staff, risk to the general public remain low. This is what we prepare for and part of the work we do every day to keep our residents safe, ” said Dr. Lazarus Gehring, Medical Director.
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 at: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/
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