Active Public Health Outbreaks in New York: November 2025 Status Report
Pertussis Surge
2,337
NYS Cases YTD 2025
Measles Status
Active
Community Transmission
Respiratory Trend
Rising
Flu, COVID-19, RSV
Respiratory Virus Surveillance: The "Tripledemic" Outlook
As of late November 2025, New York State is experiencing the seasonal acceleration of respiratory viruses. Data from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) for the week ending November 1, 2025, indicates a simultaneous rise in Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV activity. While overall hospitalizations remain below peak crisis levels, the trajectory is upward, prompting renewed advisories for vaccination.
| Pathogen | Lab-Confirmed Cases (Weekly) | Hospitalizations (Weekly) | Trend Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | 2,141 | 298 | Growing |
| Influenza | 1,332 | 72 | Rapidly Rising |
| RSV | 734 | 53 | Steady Increase |
Contrasting Viewpoints on Vaccine Efficacy: While state officials continue to urge universal vaccination as the primary defense, independent health reports and news outlets have highlighted a potential vulnerability in this year's flu response. A new Influenza A (H3N2) mutation, identified as "Subclade K," has been detected in North America. Some experts warn this variant may have drifted enough to reduce the efficacy of the current seasonal vaccine, a concern not yet heavily emphasized in standard DOH messaging which focuses on general coverage rates.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Resurgence
New York is currently grappling with a significant resurgence of Pertussis, returning to and exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The state has recorded approximately 2,337 cases in 2025, a stark increase from the 687 cases reported the previous year.
- NYC Impact: New York City health officials report a nearly 200% increase in cases compared to the 2024 season.
- Demographics: The outbreak is affecting a mixed demographic, including unvaccinated infants (highest risk), vaccinated school-aged children (waning immunity), and adults.
- Causation: Health experts attribute the surge to a combination of "immunity debt" from the pandemic years, falling vaccination rates in certain communities, and the natural cyclical nature of the bacteria.
Active Food Safety Alerts
Listeria: Prepared Pasta Meals
Nov 2025A multistate outbreak linked to prepared pasta meals (brands including Home Chef/Marketside) has sickened at least 20 people. New York is listed among the affected states. This follows a separate deli meat Listeria outbreak earlier in the year.
Infant Botulism: Formula
InvestigationFDA and CDC are investigating 31 cases of infant botulism linked to "ByHeart" Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. All affected infants required hospitalization.
Vector-Borne Disease Status
Although mosquito activity declines in late November, 2025 was a critical year for vector-borne diseases in New York. The state confirmed human cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Madison County as recently as September 2025. This follows an "imminent threat" declaration made in late 2024 after a fatality in Ulster County. West Nile Virus also saw high activity, with over 100 cases reported statewide in the 2024-2025 cycle, marking the highest prevalence in a decade.