WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – The Jefferson County Public Health Service has been notified by the New York State Department of Health that an individual in Jefferson County has tested positive for measles.
This individual was not vaccinated against measles, according to a statement from the Health Service. Close contacts to the positive case have been identified and notified of the exposure.
The statement from the Health Service provided no other detail about the person.
This is the first case of measles reported in Jefferson County since the current nationwide outbreak began. Lewis County has reported 13 measles cases.
Jefferson County has been preparing for the day measles was confirmed in the county. Public Health Director Stephen Jennings talked with Jeff Cole about the spread of the disease, how the county is testing for it, and lessons learned from Covid. (Watch here.)
At least 126 measles cases have been reported in New York state this year.
Earlier this month, Governor Hochul signed an executive order declaring a Disaster Emergency in response to rising measles case rates.
The executive order frees up resources for the state’s measles response.
This is breaking news. We’ll update the story as we get more information.
Copyright 2026 WWNY. All rights reserved.