Measles will be in Onondaga County soon, health official says: ‘It’s coming for us’

Key Points:

• Onondaga County medical director Dr. James Alexander warns that measles cases are expected to reach the area soon, following confirmed cases in multiple surrounding counties and a statewide increase.
• Measles is highly contagious—6 to 9 times more than COVID-19—and can cause severe symptoms including high fever, rash, and hospitalization in about 20% of cases, though fatalities remain rare.
• Vaccination rates in Onondaga County are strong among children, with 90% vaccinated by age 2, but overall rates fall below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, partly due to unvaccinated adults and certain communities like Amish, Mennonite, and undocumented immigrants.
• New York has recorded 51 measles cases in 2026, surpassing last year's total, while nationwide cases have risen sharply to 3,294 compared to 2,289 in 2025, driven by vaccine skepticism and outbreaks in under-vaccinated groups.
• Health officials emphasize the importance of MMR vaccination, which is 97% effective, to prevent outbreaks, noting that unvaccinated individuals have a 90% chance of contracting measles upon exposure.