No Active Cases Reported in Rockland County. Health Department Announces Free MMR Vaccinations.
NEW CITY, N.Y. — New York State has declared a statewide disaster emergency in response to an ongoing measles outbreak, as Rockland County health officials say there are currently no active cases of the virus in the county.
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued Executive Order No. 65 on October 5, declaring a State Disaster Emergency through November 4. The order is intended to expand New York’s ability to administer measles vaccinations, conduct testing and assist local health departments responding to the outbreak.
The state reported 108 measles cases among New York residents as of October 3, including 92 cases reported since July 15 among under-immunized communities in 18 counties.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 3,887 confirmed measles cases as of October 1, making 2026 the country’s worst year for measles cases in more than three decades.
Neighboring Pennsylvania has been particularly hard hit. The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 1,004 confirmed cases across 39 counties as of October 5, along with 198 hospitalizations and five measles-associated deaths.
No Active Cases in Rockland
Despite the outbreaks elsewhere, the Rockland County Department of Health said there are currently no active measles cases in Rockland County. County health officials said the county’s most recent measles case occurred in March.
“As of right now, Rockland County has no active cases thanks to our Rockland County Department of Health working hard to make sure families are vaccinated,” County Executive Ed Day said. “To successfully prevent measles from resurfacing in this county I urge our residents to get vaccinated immediately not just for measles, but for any vaccine preventable disease.”
Measles is considered one of the world’s most contagious infectious diseases. State health officials say approximately 90 percent of people who are not immune can become infected after exposure. The virus spreads through the air and can remain in an enclosed space for up to two hours after an infected person has left.
Symptoms commonly include fever, rash, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis, or red and watery eyes. Symptoms generally begin about 10 to 12 days after exposure but can appear between seven and 21 days afterward.
“While Rockland County has not had a measles case since March of this year, surges in cases nationally and internationally continue to pose a risk,” Rockland County Commissioner of Health Dr. Mary Leahy said. “We are working closely with our schools and healthcare providers and remain vigilant.”
Leahy encouraged residents to review their vaccination records and make sure they and their families are appropriately protected.
The CDC recommends that children routinely receive their first MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between ages 4 and 6. The second dose can be administered earlier as long as it is given at least 28 days after the first dose. Two doses are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles.
Adults born in 1957 or later generally need at least one documented dose of MMR or other evidence of immunity. Certain adults at greater risk — including international travelers, healthcare workers and college students — are recommended to have two doses. Residents uncertain about their vaccination history should consult their healthcare provider.
International travelers should also verify their measles immunity before leaving the country. The CDC recommends an early MMR dose for infants between 6 and 11 months who will be traveling internationally, while people 12 months and older traveling internationally should have documentation of two doses or other acceptable evidence of immunity.
Free MMR Clinics in Rockland County
The Rockland County Department of Health will offer MMR vaccinations at no cost at several locations during October:
- Friday, October 16, 1 to 3 p.m. — West Haverstraw Community Center
- Wednesday, October 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Allison-Parris County Office Building, New City
- Wednesday, October 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Rockland Plaza, Nanuet
The county’s public calendar confirms all three upcoming clinics.
MMR vaccinations are also available by appointment through Rockland County Department of Health immunization clinics in Pomona and Spring Valley.
Residents seeking an appointment or additional information can contact the Rockland County Department of Health at 845-364-2520 or 845-364-2524.