Person Diagnosed With Measles In Western New York

With the arrival of the warmer weather in the Empire State, it's expected that we're going to see an increase in all sorts of medical issues, whether it's accidents or heat-related medical concerns. Medical professionals all over the region are making sure they're prepared to deal with whatever comes their way. However, according to a recent update from the Erie County Health Department, we've just seen something in the Buffalo area that we don't normally see these days.

Between May 24, 2026, and May 28, 2026, there was the possibility that people of Western New York were exposed to someone who tested positive for Measles. The ECDOH confirmed on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, that someone had tested positive for measles. This is the first time someone has tested positive for the highly contagious and deadly disease in the region since 2018.

While most people who have received 2 doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine will have the best medical protection available against the measles illness, the measles virus can remain alive in the air and on infected surfaces for up to two hours, according to the CDC.

While officials warn that there is not a general risk to the public, people who visited or were in the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Emergency Department on May 24, 2026 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 1021 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14212 on May 28, 2026 between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., and the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Emergency Department on May 28, 2026 between 12 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., may have been exposed.

ECDOH advises individuals who may have been exposed and who have symptoms consistent with measles to contact their health care provider, a local clinic, or a local emergency department before going for care. This will help to prevent others at these facilities from being exposed to the illness.
-Erie County Department of Health

You can find out more info about Measles and its risks here on the Erie County Department of Health website or here on the New York State Department of Health website.