Nassau County and New York State Department of Health officials are investigating who may have been exposed to an unvaccinated child who was recently diagnosed with the measles, officials said.
This is the third Measles case in the state so far this year amid a global uptick and the first cases in Nassau since two were reported in 2019. The patient’s age and hometown was not released.
“Nassau County Department of Health is closely investigating potential exposures and taking the necessary proactive steps to prevent the spread of measles,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman. “We strongly encourage all residents to protect their health by ensuring they are up-to-date on important, lifesaving immunizations.”
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus still common in many countries outside the U.S. Cases in the U.S. originate from international travelers — most often Americans who have not been vaccinated, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The vaccine against measles is not recommended during pregnancy or for children younger than 1.
People infected with the measles first develop a fever, then may have a cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by the appearance of a rash seven to 21 days after exposure. Measles patients are considered infectious four days before and after the rash appears. Anyone who may have been exposed is urged to contact a health care provider to prevent the virus from spreading.
Individuals are considered protected or immune to measles if they were born before 1957, have received two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, have had measles disease or have a lab test confirming immunity, according to the DOH.
–With Associated Press
