As of August 21, 2025, students were notified of a secondary case of measles identified on campus at City College (CCNY). Unfortunately, the CDI, NAC and ASRC buildings were affected in this ongoing case. What we know: There was an exposure period from the dates August 13 to 15 throughout the buildings listed above.

City College has offered “What To Do” steps to further control the spread of measles, and to keep students and faculty safe. While these steps are crucial in curbing the spread of measles on campus and ensuring immunity against the infection, a one-time notification distributed by Student Affairs and the steps given are simply not enough. 

As stated by the CDC: Measles is an extremely contagious respiratory virus that causes febrile rash illness. It is not a seasonal virus and often spreads due to time of high travel or in close quarters. Especially, if you are unvaccinated or immunocompromised. The measles incubation period can be up to 21 days, although it typically averages 7 to 14 days from exposure to the onset of initial symptoms.

Sadly, this is not the first health scare notified for students and faculty. On August 13, CCNY officials confirmed Legionnaire bacteria was found in the cooling system of the Marshak Building. While our city is grappling with rampant infectious diseases and morbidity, college campuses within CUNY have an important role in preventing serious cases of infectious diseases from spreading to our extended communities and loved ones.

CCNY should take every precaution and initiative to ensure students and faculty will be safe coming back to classes for the Fall 2025 semester and future semesters. 

Students agree that CCNY should consider these Four Requests:

• Ensure optional online classes for the first 2 weeks for the beginning of the Fall 2025 Semester (as a precautionary measure.)
• Continue to publish further updates and all other information about the measles and other airborne illness cases on social media.
• Distribute KN95 Masks on campus to curb the risk of exposure to airborne illnesses. [e.g., COVID, Measles, RSV…] 
• Routine testing of airborne bacteria in each campus building and student housing. 

We ask that CCNY consider these requests and to amplify students' concerns with coming back to campus. We also encourage other students, faculty and alumni within CUNY to share this petition in order to raise awareness of these ongoing concerns and issues.