CAPITAL REGION, NY (WRGB) — The New York State Department of Health is warning of potential measles exposure at two Capital Region hospital emergency departments – Albany Medical Center and Saratoga Hospital.

According to the DOH, an adult Vermont resident who had recently traveled internationally, and who sought treatment in both hospitals, was later confirmed to have measles. Although the risk of infection is low, individuals who were in the Saratoga Hospital emergency department on July 14, 2025 are encouraged to contact the hospital directly as hospital staff are available 24/7. Potentially exposed individuals who were in the Albany Medical Center emergency department on July 16, 2025 have already been identified and contacted directly. Potentially exposed individuals who were in the Albany Medical Center emergency department on July 16, 2025 have already been identified and contacted directly.

“Measles remains a threat to public health and exposure during travel is something we need to consider. It’s important that New Yorkers ensure they are immunized against measles,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “Protect yourself and your family against measles and make sure you are up-to-date on immunization with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.”

All partners are collaborating with Albany Medical Center and Saratoga Hospital to investigate the case and are taking the necessary proactive steps to prevent the spread of measles.

Albany Medical Center Executive Vice President and Hospital General Director Dr. Jason Mouzakes said, “As the region’s only academic medical center and Level 1 Trauma Center, our Emergency Department is fully prepared for serious illnesses that may present at our doors. Our team acted immediately and appropriately to minimize exposure. We are working with the Department of Health and have notified those potentially exposed, offering vaccinations. The patient arrived masked and was immediately isolated at the hospital. The Department of Health was notified, per protocol, and we are continuing to monitor the situation.”

All New Yorkers are urged to protect themselves by making sure they’re up to date on their measles, mumps and rubella vaccines along with other important, lifesaving immunizations and be aware of health advisories when traveling with unvaccinated individuals, especially young children.

Measles is a highly contagious, serious respiratory disease that causes rash and fever. In some cases, measles can reduce the immune system’s ability to fight other infections like pneumonia.

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The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Those traveling should plan to be fully vaccinated against measles at least two weeks before departure. One dose provides 93 percent protection while two doses provide 97 percent protection.

Those who are unsure of their vaccination status should locate their vaccination records and consult their health care provider.

Babies as young as 6 months should get one dose of the MMR vaccine if they are traveling abroad. After travel, these babies should then continue to get their next two MMR vaccines on schedule for a total of three vaccines.

The Department issued a travel advisory on April 2, available to all health care providers, that includes specific MMR vaccine schedules based on the age of the traveler. Anyone who is not protected can get measles while traveling and can easily spread it to others when they return home.