Health leaders push for stronger vaccination and prevention efforts amid renewed measles concerns
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County health officials and U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer are backing a three-part initiative aimed at strengthening the region’s response to measles and other preventable diseases.
The proposal calls for the rehiring of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) experts, the restoration of federal measles-related grants, and increased funding for disease prevention programs.
This story continues below.
The effort comes after Erie County confirmed two measles cases earlier this month—the first reported cases in the county in eight years. Health officials said both children who tested positive were unvaccinated.
According to county leaders, one of the children had recently traveled outside the United States, while the second child had not traveled internationally. That detail has raised concerns about the possibility of additional, unreported cases within the community.
Public health officials are urging residents to ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations, noting that immunization remains the most effective protection against measles. They also emphasized that high vaccination rates help protect vulnerable populations, including infants younger than 12 months who are not yet eligible to receive the measles vaccine.
“One out of four end up in the hospital about one out of 10 get pneumonia; one out of 10 get brain swelling, and still it kills.” warns Dr. Mark Hicar, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. He adds, “Measles can kill and will kill one to two out of every thousand cases.”
Health leaders say strengthening prevention efforts and public health resources is critical to limiting the spread of highly contagious diseases and protecting community health.