Seneca County health officials are urging residents to check their measles vaccination records as the disease continues spreading locally.
The Seneca County Health Department’s dashboard, labeled last updated Oct. 23, lists 30 confirmed cases in 2026 and four hospitalizations. The department says it updates the dashboard on Fridays.
In a public warning, the department encouraged residents to follow the dashboard for county case information and said vaccination offers the best protection against infection.
County dashboard shows 30 cases
The Oct. 23 display reports eight new cases in its preceding seven-day reporting period. Four of the 30 cases involved hospitalization, or 13.3%.
The monthly chart lists five cases in August, 11 in September and 14 in October. Its vaccination chart places all 30 cases in the not-vaccinated category and defines fully vaccinated as having received two MMR doses.
The county’s age chart groups 16 cases as under 18 years old and 14 as over 18.
A separate chart shows Health Department staff administered 149 MMR doses in 2026, including 61 in September and 18 in October.
Measles can linger in the air
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people can become infected in a room up to two hours after someone with measles has left.
Up to nine of every 10 people who lack protection can become infected after close contact with an infected person, according to the CDC.
Symptoms commonly include high fever, cough, a runny nose, red or watery eyes and a rash. The county says symptoms generally appear seven to 14 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days.
People with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears through four days afterward. The illness can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling.
Check vaccination records and call ahead
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, according to the CDC. Residents unsure of their vaccination history can contact their health care provider or the county Health Department to check their records.
The county directs anyone who thinks they or a family member may have measles, or may have been exposed, to stay home and call a health care provider or the Health Department right away at 315-539-1920.
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