First New York State Measles Case Outside NYC Confirmed

Health officials have confirmed a measles case in Suffolk County, marking the first case outside New York City this year and the third overall in the state. The patient, a child under 5 years old, is receiving treatment at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in Queens.

Potential exposure may have occurred at the hospital’s pediatric emergency department on March 3 or 4 and the Medicine 3 unit from March 3 to 6. The hospital is reaching out to individuals who visited during those times, urging them to consult their doctor.

Measles is highly contagious, spreading through airborne transmission via coughing and sneezing. It can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that spreads across the body.

The MMR vaccine is the best prevention method, recommended for children at 12–15 months and again at 4–6 years old. Vaccination rates have declined nationwide, increasing the risk of outbreaks.

Source: Rochester First