Broome County Health Officials Confirm Measles Exposure at Local Hospital

The Broome County Health Department has confirmed that a patient who went to a local hospital on September 26 tested positive for measles.

Here is the important part: the patient is a New York State resident, but does not live in Broome County. Health officials say the person was treated and discharged home.

What Broome County Health Officials Say Happened

The patient arrived at the hospital after a measles exposure and while showing symptoms. The Broome County Health Department says it is now working with the patient’s home health department as the case investigation continues.

Contact Tracing at the Broome County Hospital Is Complete

The Broome County Health Department and the New York State Department of Health collected contact information for people exposed at the hospital. County officials say contact tracing, treatment, and follow-up have been completed as needed.

“The Broome County Health Department team did an excellent job working with the hospital system, notifying residents and getting care to help reduce spread in our community,” said Olivia Catalano, Director of Public Health.

Why Broome County Still Has Zero Confirmed Cases

This can sound a little confusing at first. A person with confirmed measles was treated at a Broome County hospital, but the case will not be counted as a Broome County case because that person lives elsewhere.

Health officials say no Broome County residents have tested positive for measles at this time. The confirmed case will be counted in the patient’s home county.

Measles Symptoms to Watch For in the Southern Tier

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms usually show up seven to 14 days after exposure, though they can take as long as 21 days to appear.

At first, measles can look a lot like a bad cold. You may have a runny nose, cough, fever, red or watery eyes, and light sensitivity. Small bluish-white spots with red borders can also appear inside the mouth.

A red, blotchy rash typically follows. It often starts on the face, then spreads down and outward across the body until it reaches the hands and feet.

How Measles Spreads and Why It Is So Contagious

Measles spreads easily. One person with measles can pass it to as many as 18 people who are not protected against the illness.

The CDC says the virus spreads through coughing and sneezing and can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infectious person has left the room. That means you could be exposed even if you never come face to face with the person who is sick.

A person can spread measles about four days before the rash begins and for four days after it starts. Someone may not realize they have measles even when they can already spread it.

Measles is often thought of as a childhood illness, but people can catch it at any age. It can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling.

What to Do if You Think You Have Measles

If you have measles symptoms, stay home and call your doctor. Don't just walk into an emergency room, urgent care, or doctor’s office without calling first. A quick call allows medical staff to prepare and protect other patients.

If you do not have a phone, tell medical personnel right away that you may have measles when you arrive.

Get our free mobile app

Broome County Measles Vaccination Rates and Public Risk

Health officials say the overall risk to the public remains low, especially for people who are fully vaccinated. As of January 1, 2026, 85.9 percent of Broome County residents had received at least one measles vaccination by age 2.

Those most at risk include people who are unvaccinated, infants, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Dr. Lazarus Gehring, the county’s medical director, said the patient’s clear communication and the hospital’s quick response helped keep the public risk low.

“This is what we prepare for and part of the work we do every day to keep our residents safe,” Gehring said.

Where to Get an MMR Vaccine in Broome County

The Broome County Health Department offers MMR and other vaccinations to county residents who are uninsured or underinsured. Call the department to see whether you qualify.

If you are not sure whether you have had the vaccine, contact your doctor. They can check your records and talk with you about whether vaccination or testing makes sense.

You can see confirmed measles cases across New York State on the state health department’s weekly dashboard. The New York State Department of Health also has more information about measles, symptoms, and vaccination.