Local hospital issues mask mandate over measles exposure

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- There have been 14 confirmed cases of measles across New York state in 2025. Measles is an extremely contagious respiratory illness that is especially dangerous for children and those with weakened immune systems. One of those cases was traced back to Saratoga Hospital.

According to Saratoga Hospital, the confirmed measles case was a Vermont resident who had recently traveled abroad. The person went to the hospital last week, wearing a mask, and was transferred to Albany Medical Center soon after. Hospital staff said that the mask mandate was put into place out of an abundance of caution to the community.

Director of Marketing and Communications for Saratoga Hospital, Allie Curran, explained that Saratoga Hospital took quick actions once the patient was confirmed to have measles. Through contact tracing and putting a universal mask mandate in place, Curran believes that those actions helped to prevent further spreading.

She went on to say, "We're fortunate to have such a strong and fast acting team here. So as soon as we heard that this patient did test positive, it was all hands on deck. And we want to keep our community and our patients safe."

State Health Commissioner, Dr. James McDonald, released a statement which reads in part, “Measles remains a threat to public health and exposure during travel is something we need to consider." He added that it's important that everyone get immunized against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Saratoga Hospital says that they will address their masking policy on Tuesday, July 22nd.