PUTNAM COUNTY- A State Disaster Emergency has been declared by Gov. Kathy Hochul in response to the growing number of measles cases across rural areas of New York and neighboring states, which enables officials to respond more swiftly to the outbreak and allows healthcare professionals to take additional steps that will help get more New Yorkers vaccinated and tested.
While Putnam County has no reported cases of measles at this time, health personnel have been meeting daily to prepare, just in case.
Deputy Health Director Shanna Siegel told Mid-Hudson News: “With the ongoing measles outbreak in western New York, members of our outbreak team met with the New York State Department of Health to review plans. We rely on year-round preparedness combined with timely communication between partner agencies, and this preparation and collaboration was evident during the quick response and effort of health department staff when a case of measles was identified in the summer of 2025.”
Siegel said: “Staff were and continue to be ready to conduct disease investigations and collaborate with community members and organizations to prevent the spread of infectious disease. The idea of stronger immunity, stronger community is one that will help keep Putnam healthy in case of a measles outbreak. The more people who are fully vaccinated, the fewer cases in Putnam, and the fewer ways it can spread. If residents are unsure of their vaccination status, they should talk to their healthcare provider.”
Meanwhile, New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said his staff was “working closely with local health departments and regional partners to track and contain the current measles outbreak. The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is the best protection — protecting nearly all people against disease who receive the recommended doses.”
Siegel and Dr. McDonald urged New Yorkers to verify their vaccination status and ensure their families are protected.
Thankfully no measles cases in Putnam at the time of this writing. Here is a statement addressing our preparedness:
PCDOH offers vaccinations at regularly scheduled vaccine clinics. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 845-808-1332.
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