Chautauqua County Health Department Alerts Community of Potential Measles Exposures

People with confirmed measles were at UPMC Chautauqua Hospital on September 26, 27 and 29

MAYVILLE, N.Y. — The Chautauqua County Health Department is notifying the community about possible measles exposures at the UPMC Chautauqua Emergency Department, 207 Foote Ave., Jamestown.

People who tested positive for measles were at the hospital during these times:

• Saturday, September 26, from 9:00 p.m. through Sunday, September 27, at 1:00 a.m.
• Tuesday, September 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The people who tested positive for measles do not live in Chautauqua County.

The Chautauqua County Health Department is working with UPMC Chautauqua Hospital to identify and notify people who may have been exposed. People who are known to have been at the hospital during these times are being contacted by the Chautauqua County Health Department or the local health department where they live.

The risk of developing measles from these potential exposures is considered low. Many people in our community are protected against measles because they have been vaccinated or have measles immunity.

If you were at UPMC Chautauqua Emergency Department during either of these times:

• Find out if you are immune to measles. If you are not sure about your vaccination history, contact your healthcare provider or the Chautauqua County Health Department at 716-753-4491.
• Watch for signs and symptoms of measles.
• If you become sick, call your healthcare provider or emergency department before going for care. Tell them that you may have been exposed to measles. This will help them protect other patients and healthcare workers.
• Do not go to work, school or other public places if you are sick.
• If you develop symptoms or are diagnosed with measles, contact your local health department. Chautauqua County residents should call 716-753-4491. People who live in another county should contact the health department where they live.

People who may have been exposed on September 26 or 27 should watch for symptoms through Saturday, October 17. People who may have been exposed on September 29 should watch for symptoms through Tuesday, October 20.

A person is generally considered immune to measles if they:

• Have records showing they received two doses of a measles vaccine, such as the MMR vaccine;
• Have a blood test showing they are immune to measles or have laboratory confirmation that they had measles in the past; or
• Were born before 1957. Being born before 1957 is generally considered evidence of immunity for most people.

If you are not sure whether you are immune, contact your healthcare provider or the Chautauqua County Health Department at 716-753-4491. They can help you determine whether you need any additional steps.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area.

A person with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash begins.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red or watery eyes
• Rash

The rash usually starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.

Measles can cause serious health problems, including pneumonia and encephalitis, which is swelling of the brain. Serious complications are more common in young children, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, measles can be fatal.

The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles in people who are exposed to the virus.

The Chautauqua County Health Department encourages parents and caregivers to make sure children are up to date on their recommended vaccines. Adults who are not sure if they are up to date on their MMR vaccine should talk with their healthcare provider.

According to New York State Department of Health data, 85.6% of Chautauqua County children had received one MMR dose by age 2 as of January 1, 2026. This number is based on children ages 24–35 months who received one MMR dose before their second birthday.

The Chautauqua County Health Department offers free MMR vaccinations Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at its Mayville office. MMR vaccine is also available at Mobile Health Clinics held throughout the county.

Visit HealthyCHQ.com for more Mobile Health Clinic dates or call 716-753-4491 to schedule an appointment.

Chautauqua County has had three laboratory-confirmed measles cases in 2026.

The number of laboratory-confirmed cases does not necessarily include everyone who may have measles in the community. A laboratory-confirmed case means that a person's illness was confirmed through testing. People who do not seek medical care or are not tested may not be included in the reported case count.

The public can view reported measles cases on the New York State Department of Health Measles Dashboard. The dashboard is updated weekly, and the information is preliminary and may change as case investigations continue.

NYSDOH Measles Dashboard: https://health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/data.htm. 

For questions about measles or vaccination, contact your health care provider or the Chautauqua County Health Department at (716) 753-4491.

About Chautauqua County Health Department - The Chautauqua County Health Department is the leading Public Health organization in Chautauqua County dedicated to the support of the community’s health.  The Health Department takes innovative approaches to provide technical assistance to partner organizations, and offers various programs and services in order to help prevent disease, protect the public’s health and promote our community’s overall health and wellness.  For more information visit www.HealthyCHQ.com.

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