Niagara County Warns of Measles Outbreak

The Niagara County Department of Health is urging schools and families to ensure measles immunizations are up to date as cases of the highly contagious virus continue to rise in both the United States and Canada.

As of April 10th, 2025, a total of 607 measles cases have been reported nationwide including four confirmed cases in New York State. In neighboring Ontario, Canada, 804 cases have been confirmed as of April 9th. The majority of infections are occurring in individuals under the age of 20 who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

Measles spreads easily through the air and can cause severe health complications, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals. Health experts emphasize that receiving two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides strong protection against the disease.

To help control the spread, the New York State Department of Health recommends that schools:

- Review student immunization records to ensure compliance with state requirements: one dose of MMR vaccine for daycare and pre-K students older than 12 months, and two doses for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

- Encourage all staff to confirm their measles immunity. Those unsure of their status should check with healthcare providers for vaccination records or lab tests indicating immunity. MMR vaccines are widely available for adults at local pharmacies.

Individuals born before 1957 are generally considered immune to measles.

Health officials stress that community cooperation is essential to preventing further spread.

For more information or assistance, residents are encouraged to contact the Niagara County Department of Health at (716) 278-1900.

Niagara County Warns of Measles Outbreak