Allegany County health officials have released new details on the local measles outbreak, announcing in an Aug. 15 news release that the county’s two confirmed measles infections and 10 presumed positive cases are all confined to the western border town of New Hudson.
The Allegany County Health Department said it was sharing the geographic update so that residents in and around New Hudson have the information they need to monitor their family’s health and double-check their vaccination status.
Officials said all relevant information and updates have been provided to its local health care partners in the area to coordinate educational guidance, support services and convenient access to vaccination.
Broad community risk for measles across Allegany County remains low, officials said, especially for individuals who are fully vaccinated against measles or were born prior to 1957 (and are presumed to have natural immunity).
“Our priority is keeping our communities informed, supported, and protected,” Allegany County Public Health Director Tyler Shaw said in the Aug. 15 news release. “Because measles spreads easily, early awareness is key. We are encouraging anyone who feels unwell or believes they may have been exposed to stay home, reach out to their healthcare provider, and allow our team to support them with safe, confidential guidance.”
The health department learned of an initial positive result for measles on Aug. 2 after a resident who had recently traveled to Ohio began showing symptoms, according to county officials.
The additional cases, including the other confirmed positive case for measles and the 10 presumed positive infections, were uncovered through routine contact tracing and proactive monitoring, public health officials said.
Allegany County public health nurses continue to offer MMR vaccines, and localized vaccination opportunities are available, the health department said.
How to stay safe during measles outbreak
Allegany County officials released the following health guidance for residents:
For additional information on measles resources and local vaccination clinics, visit www.alleganyco.gov or call 585-268-9250.
This is how many measles cases have been reported statewide
Statewide so far in 2026, there have been six confirmed cases of measles in New York City and 16 in New York state outside of New York City for a total of 22 cases, state health officials report. The state does not include presumed positive cases in its tally.
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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Allegany County measles outbreak grows to 12 cases, all in one town
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
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By Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune | USA TODAY Network
