One new case confirmed in Town of Independence, link to “horse auctions”
DOH: This new case was not linked to the original positive case
By Andrew Harris
Two new updates today from local health departments regarding the slow but steadily increasing number of measles cases in Allegany County, and now Steuben County.
In Allegany County, an initial case was reported in early August from an unvaccinated individual who had traveled to Ohio. Twenty three contacts were acknowledged in that report. On August 6th, two additional cases were reported as “presumed positive” and the possible contact list grew to forty five. By August 12, the update detailed that two cases of measles had been confirmed and two were presumed positive. The Allegany County Department of Health reported on August 15th that ten new cases were presumed positive and identified to location of the outbreak as confined to New Hudson NY. New Hudson is in the northwest corner of Allegany County.
Today, August 18th, Allegany County officials announced that a third confirmed case has been identified in the Town Independence, with fourteen presumed to be infected. Independence is in the southeast corner of Allegany County.
That announcement came just after neighboring Steuben County announced that one measles case was confirmed, somewhere in that county. Location information was not provided in that release but the infected resident was noted to be unvaccinated. The number of contacts were not provided but that contract tracing was underway as with all infectious diseases.
Read the official releases made today from both Allegany And Steuben County Department of Health officials:
Allegany County – Measles Update
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.
Steuben County Public Health Officials Investigate Confirmed Measles Case
Bath, NY — The Steuben County Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated resident. The Steuben County Department of Health was notified of the positive result on August 18, 2026. The resident began showing symptoms on August 14, 2026, and is safely isolating at home until they are no longer contagious. To protect resident/patient privacy, additional details will not be released. Potential public exposure site(s) have been identified, and the Health Department is reaching out to those who may have come into contact with the resident.
Potential Exposures & Contact Tracing
Because measles is a highly contagious airborne virus, public health officials conduct thorough contact tracing of the confirmed case. The Steuben County Department of Health is working closely with NYSDOH and local health care providers, to identify and directly contact all individuals known to have been exposed. Information and guidance is being provided to direct contacts.
Risk to the Public
The overall risk of measles to the general public remains low, particularly for individuals who are fully vaccinated against the disease. However, measles is extremely contagious, and anyone unvaccinated, pregnant, under 12 months of age, or immuno-compromised is at a higher risk and should talk with their health care provider.
For questions regarding this public notice or measles vaccination, contact the Steuben County
Department of Health at 607-664-2438 or visit https://www.steubencountyny.gov/273/Public-Health or www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/.
