Positive case for unvaccinated resident, contact tracing underway

From the Steuben County Department of Health,

Steuben County Public Health is investigating a second confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated resident. Steuben County Public Health was notified of the positive result on August 21, 2026. The resident began showing symptoms on August 13, 2026, safely isolated at home, and is considered no longer contagious. To protect resident/patient privacy, additional details will not be released. Potential public exposure site(s) have been identified, and the Health Department is reaching out to those who may have come into contact with the case.  

Potential Exposures & Contact Tracing

Because measles is a highly contagious airborne virus, public health officials conduct thorough contact tracing of the confirmed case. The Steuben County Public Health Department is working closely with NYSDOH and local health care provider(s), to identify and directly contact all individuals known to have been exposed. Information and guidance is being provided to direct contacts. 

Risk to the Public

The overall risk of measles to the general public still remains low, particularly for individuals who are fully vaccinated against the disease. However, measles is extremely contagious, and anyone unvaccinated, pregnant, under 12 months of age, or immuno-compromised is at a higher risk and should talk with their health care provider.

For questions regarding this public notice or measles vaccination, contact the Steuben County Public Health at 607-664-2438 or visit  https://www.steubencountyny.gov/273/Public-Health or www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/

What Exposed/Non-Exposed Individuals Should Do

1. Check Your Immunity / Vaccination Status

You are generally considered immune to measles if you meet one of the following criteria: 

• You have documented records of receiving two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. 
• You were born before 1957.
• A healthcare provider has previously confirmed through a blood test that you are immune.

If you are fully vaccinated, your risk of contracting measles is very low. Unvaccinated individuals, young infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at the highest risk for severe complications. If you have symptoms or someone has notified you of an exposure, limit your activity outside of your home and with others. 

• Monitor for Symptoms for 21 Days

If you were exposed or think you were exposed, monitor yourself and your family members for symptoms.

Early symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include:  High fever (often rising above 101 degrees F)

• Cough 
  • Runny nose (coryza) 
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis) 

Subsequent symptoms:

• A red, blotchy rash typically appears 3 to 5 days after initial symptoms begin, usually starting on the face along the hairline and spreading downward to the rest of the body. 

• Post-Exposure Options (Act Quickly)

If you are unvaccinated, pregnant, or immunocompromised AND were exposed, contact your health care provider or ACDOH right away. 

• The MMR vaccine given within 72 hours of exposure, or immune globulin (IG) given within 6 days, can prevent or reduce the severity of measles illness. 

• Call Ahead Before Seeking Medical Care

DO NOT walk into a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room without calling first. 

If you develop symptoms or suspect you were exposed, call your primary care provider or the Emergency Room before arriving. Inform them that you may have been exposed to measles. This allows healthcare facilities to take precautions—such as placing you in an isolated room immediately—to prevent spreading the virus to other vulnerable patients in the waiting room or other areas.