“We have measles outbreaks every year,” he added. Mr. Kennedy has also said in the past that immunizations against measles and some other infectious diseases are unnecessary and risky.

Thanks to the introduction of a vaccine in 1963, measles was considered eliminated in the US in 2000. Yet the highly contagious disease has reemerged as a threat as declining vaccination rates have fueled outbreaks around the country.

Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized measles’ severe risks, including immune system suppression, and encouraged unvaccinated individuals to get the MMR vaccine. The advisory also cited a surge in Canadian cases, with 44 reported this year.

The New York State Department of Health has issued a Health Advisory as the number of measles cases and hospitalizations rise in certain parts of the United States, particularly highlighting

Health officials aim to improve public understanding of the importance of measles vaccinations and, for some, potentially the need for a booster shot.

In New Jersey, a measles patient who recently traveled abroad had close contact with two other people who were later diagnosed with the disease.

Health experts say low vaccination rates are fueling outbreaks of the contagious disease that was considered to be eliminated 25 years ago.