NEW HYDE PARK, NY – Health authorities have confirmed a case of measles in a child under the age of five residing in Suffolk County, Long Island. The child, who is unvaccinated, was treated at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park between March 3 and March 6, 2025. During this period, there is a potential risk of exposure to others who visited the facility.
Potential Exposure Details:
- Pediatric Emergency Department: Individuals who visited the pediatric emergency department at Cohen Children’s Medical Center from March 3 to March 4, 2025, may have been exposed to the measles virus.
- Inpatient Medicine 3 Unit: Visitors to the Medicine 3 inpatient unit between March 3 and March 6, 2025, are also at potential risk.
Cohen Children’s Medical Center is proactively reaching out to patients and visitors who were present during these times to assess their risk and provide necessary guidance. Those who believe they may have been exposed are advised to consult their healthcare providers or contact their local health department for further instructions.
Health Officials’ Recommendations:
Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services, emphasizes the importance of vaccination: “We strongly encourage all residents to protect their health and the health of our youngest and most vulnerable residents by ensuring they are on time and up to date with their measles vaccines and all recommended and lifesaving immunizations.”
About Measles:
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that spreads through coughing or sneezing. Individuals can contract the virus by inhaling contaminated air or by touching infected surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and can include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- A rash of red, flat spots that usually begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
Complications from measles can be severe, leading to pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), hospitalization, and in some cases, death.
Vaccination and Prevention:
The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. Health officials recommend that children receive the first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. Individuals who are unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status are urged to get vaccinated promptly.
Current Situation:
This case marks the third confirmed measles case in New York State this year and the first outside of New York City. Health officials are actively monitoring the situation and conducting contact tracing to prevent further spread of the disease.
For more information on measles and vaccination, residents are encouraged to visit the New York State Department of Health website or contact their local health department.
Note: This information is based on current reports and may be subject to change as new details emerge
