Strategies for Combatting Measles Epidemics in New York
In recent years, the United States has witnessed a resurgence of measles, a highly contagious disease once thought to be on the brink of eradication. This alarming trend can be traced back to several key factors: low vaccination rates in specific communities, the deliberate spread of vaccine misinformation, and international travel.
The heart of the issue lies in communities with low vaccination rates. These pockets of vulnerability, often found within close-knit communities, become breeding grounds for measles outbreaks once the disease is imported by travelers. In 2018-2019, New York City experienced a large outbreak centered in these communities with low MMR vaccination rates, leading to public health emergencies, school closures, and vaccine mandates to control the spread.
Misinformation has played a significant role in this resurgence, deliberately targeting these communities with inaccurate and misleading information about vaccines. This has resulted in vaccine hesitancy and refusal, exacerbating the problem. Public health officials, including the CDC and federal leadership, have emphasized that combating misinformation is critical to maintaining vaccination coverage and preventing outbreaks.
International travel and global measles outbreaks further facilitate the spread of the disease in the U.S. In 2025, the U.S. saw a substantial increase in measles cases nationwide—over 1,300 reported—across 40 jurisdictions, including New York. About 97% of cases were in unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status individuals, confirming that insufficient immunization is the key driver.
The consequences of this situation are now unfolding in real time. Since May 1, a record-breaking 935 measles cases have been confirmed nationally. New York, in particular, has been affected, with several cases reported in Orange County. The state Legislature has the opportunity to advance bills that would make the state better immunized and, in the process, healthier and safer in the final weeks of the legislative session.
It's not just about protecting oneself - it's about protecting those who can't be vaccinated, like infants and those with compromised immune systems. When vaccination rates drop, entire communities become vulnerable to outbreaks like measles. In 2019, New York was the epicenter of a measles outbreak with over 1,000 people sickened across the state, the vast majority of them children.
Three children under the age of five are currently battling the disease in New York. These myths, perpetuated online and in some public forums, are convincing people to forgo routine vaccinations. Public health responses include mandates, vaccination campaigns, school exclusions, and outreach to counter misinformation and improve vaccine rates.
The state Legislature has shown boldness in the past when the stakes were high. Now is the time for the state Legislature to be bold again to protect New York residents in the face of federal negligence. Herd immunity only works when enough people participate in vaccinations. Let us work together to ensure the health and safety of our communities by promoting accurate information and maintaining high vaccination rates.
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