BELMONT, NY — The Allegany County Department of Health (ACDOH) is providing an update regarding its ongoing measles response within the county. We have been notified by the New York State Department of Health laboratory of a third confirmed positive measles case, bringing the County total to three (3) confirmed positive cases and at least fourteen (14) presumed positive cases. With this newly confirmed case in the Town of Independence, cases are no longer isolated to a single township.

Through contact tracing and epidemiological investigation, public health officials have identified a potential common exposure link associated with horse auctions, as well as recent travel within New York State and out-of-state to both Ohio and Pennsylvania. This new case was not linked to the original positive case.

While broad community risk across Allegany County remains low, certain populations face a heightened risk of serious illness or severe complications if exposed. ACDOH strongly urges increased vigilance, preventative action, and symptom monitoring for high-susceptibility groups, including:

• Unvaccinated individuals
• Infants under the age of one (who are too young to receive the standard MMR vaccine)
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with compromised immune systems, including those undergoing cancer treatments or chemotherapy

Public health officials urge all residents, particularly high-risk individuals and those who attend livestock or agricultural events or travel frequently—to monitor closely for symptoms. The risk to fully vaccinated individuals remains very low. ACDOH public health nurses continue to offer MMR vaccines within impacted communities and are available for additional vaccination clinics.

Important Health Guidance for Residents:

• Protect Susceptible Groups: If you are unvaccinated, pregnant, immunocompromised, or caring for an infant, you may want to avoid large public gatherings or potential exposure settings where possible.
• Monitor for Key Symptoms: Watch for high fever, cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes, and a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face 3 to 5 days after initial symptoms begin.
• Call Ahead Before Seeking Care: If you or a family member develops symptoms or suspect exposure, call your healthcare provider, urgent care, or emergency room before arriving in person. Calling ahead allows healthcare facilities to prepare and take steps to prevent exposing other vulnerable patients in waiting areas.
• Stay Home if Unwell or Exposed: Staying home when sick or exposed prevents spreading to at-risk neighbors and loved ones.
• Check Vaccination Records: Ensure your family is up to date on the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles.

For additional information on measles resources and local vaccination clinics, visit www.alleganyco.gov or call (585) 268-9250.