New York State health officials have confirmed the first case of measles in 2025, prompting a renewed push for vaccination awareness and disease prevention efforts. The case was identified in a traveler arriving at JFK International Airport earlier this week and was officially confirmed through laboratory testing by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). Officials say the individual, who was unvaccinated, arrived from a country currently experiencing a measles outbreak.
According to the NYSDOH, the patient visited multiple public places in Queens and Brooklyn between April 26 and April 29, potentially exposing hundreds of people to the virus. Health authorities are now working to notify anyone who may have come into contact with the individual during that period. The department is also urging all residents, especially children and those with weakened immune systems, to ensure they are up to date on the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious complications, especially in children under five and adults over twenty. While the disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, imported cases still pose a threat, particularly in communities with low vaccination rates. Public health officials are reminding residents that the MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and widely available across New York State.
The case comes amid growing concerns about vaccine misinformation and declining immunization rates in some areas. The New York City Health Department has increased outreach in neighborhoods with historically low vaccination coverage, offering free immunization clinics and multilingual educational resources.
Residents who may have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms such as fever, rash, cough, or red eyes are urged to contact their healthcare provider immediately and avoid public places to prevent further spread.