Mineola, NY – The Nassau County Department of Health (NCDOH) has been notified of a laboratory-confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated child under 5 years old. This is the first case of measles reported in Nassau County since 2024. NCDOH, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), is investigating the case and taking necessary proactive steps to prevent further spread of the illness.
“The Nassau County Department of Health is closely investigating the case, including any potential exposures, and taking the necessary steps to prevent the spread of measles,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman. “Measles can cause serious illness, with complications that may include pneumonia, encephalitis, and often results in hospitalization and sometimes death. We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves and their families by making sure they are up to date on important, lifesaving immunizations.”
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through contact with nasal or throat secretions, including by touching a contaminated surface and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Symptoms of measles may include fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a rash. Symptoms usually appear 10 to 12 days after exposure, but may appear as early as 7 days and as late as 21 days after exposure. A person with measles can spread the virus from 4 days before the rash appears to 4 days after.
To help prevent the spread of illness, NCDOH is advising individuals who may have been exposed and who have symptoms consistent with measles to contact their health care provider, local clinic, or emergency department before going for care. Calling ahead allows the facility to take appropriate steps to protect other patients, staff, and visitors from being exposed to the illness.
The single best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated. Individuals should receive two doses of MMR vaccine to be protected. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own. The MMR vaccine is very safe.
Individuals who are unsure whether they are protected should contact their health care provider. Individuals are generally considered protected against measles if they were born before 1957, have received two doses of MMR vaccine, have previously had measles, or have a lab test confirming immunity.
For additional information about measles, visit the NYSDOH’s website here. Information about the measles vaccine can be found here.