Measles cases and outbreaks are increasing in the United States and Canada. In 2025 to date (3/19/25), 301 measles cases have been reported in the U.S., including 4 in New York State. Additionally, in Ontario, Canada, 318 measles cases have been reported in 2025 as of March 12th. Most measles cases in the U.S. and Canada are occurring in persons under 20 years old who are unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.

Measles is a highly contagious virus. Most people who are vaccinated with 2 doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine are protected from measles and should not become ill. Individuals who are not immune are at risk of developing disease. 

To prevent the spread of infection, it is critical that students and staff are immune to measles to help avoid a measles outbreak in our schools.

Students: All children should be in compliance with state immunization requirements (1 dose of MMR vaccine for daycare students aged >12 months and Pre-K students, and 2 doses of MMR vaccine for students in grades K-12), unless they have other presumptive evidence of measles immunity, which includes laboratory evidence of immunity (measles IgG antibody) or laboratory confirmation of disease.

Staff: All staff should know their measles immune status. If staff are unsure of their immune status, they should contact their healthcare providers to determine if they are immune to measles. That can include documentation of MMR immunization, laboratory evidence of immunity (measles IgG antibody) or laboratory confirmation of disease. MMR vaccines are available for adults at most pharmacies. People born before 1957 are considered immune to measles. 

If a measles exposure occurs in our school district, all students and staff (born after 1956) who cannot demonstrate written proof of immunity may need to be excluded from school through 21 days after their most recent exposure to an infectious individual. 

Helping to ensure that students and staff are immune to measles and that proper outbreak control measures are taken is critical in preventing the spread of measles in our community. 

If a student or staff member contracts measles, please contact the School Nurse in your building so they can take the proper steps to limit the spread of measles.