This year, New York City has not experienced any significant outbreaks of measles, despite the alarming trend of cases skyrocketing nationwide to a 33-year high. However, health officials continue to report isolated cases, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and public health measures. In 2019, New York City was at the center of a major spike in measles cases, making the current situation particularly concerning.
As of now, there have been seven reported cases of measles across the five boroughs of New York City this year, with the latest confirmed case occurring in early July, according to updates from the city health department. Statewide, the total stands at 14 cases, which is comparable to the 15 cases reported throughout the entirety of 2024, including 14 in New York City. Chantal Gomez, a spokesperson for the city health department, noted, “It is not uncommon for us to see sporadic cases of measles due to the international nature of NYC.”
Gomez further highlighted that “outbreaks can occur in areas where vaccination rates are low,” underscoring the critical need for timely vaccinations starting at age 12 months. In light of this, state health officials are urging New Yorkers to verify their vaccination status and ensure that both they and their children are fully vaccinated against measles before traveling to areas experiencing outbreaks.
In a more urgent plea, Senator Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, has called upon Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to declare measles a national public health emergency. Schumer expressed concerns that Kennedy has not allocated the necessary resources or focus to combat the spread of the disease and accused him of actions that could exacerbate the situation. “Under your tutelage as secretary, you have undermined vaccines, gutted public health funding, and dismantled core federal protections meant to keep Americans safe,” Schumer stated in his letter.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 1,288 confirmed cases of measles reported across the United States in 2025, surpassing the number from 2019, a year known for a significant outbreak linked to New York City’s Orthodox Jewish communities. The majority of cases this year have been concentrated in areas that have experienced outbreaks, particularly in regions of Texas, New Mexico, and Kansas.
Emily Hilliard, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, addressed Schumer’s letter, stating that the agency is actively providing support to regions affected by measles outbreaks. Hilliard noted that the incidence rate of measles in the United States is currently lower than in several other countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Italy. She reiterated that the CDC considers vaccination the most effective way to protect against measles but also acknowledged Kennedy's stance that “the decision to vaccinate is a personal one.”
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul and state health officials have expressed alarm over the low vaccination rates among young children for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This delay in receiving vaccinations puts many children at risk of being undervaccinated, heightening the potential for outbreaks in the community.
In summary, while New York City has managed to avoid significant measles outbreaks thus far in 2025, the situation remains precarious as officials stress the importance of vaccination. With rising cases nationwide, public health vigilance and proactive measures are crucial to prevent further spread of this highly contagious disease.
