Measles Case Confirmed on Long Island: First in New York State Outside NYC

Looks like measles isn’t just a big city problem anymore. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) just confirmed a case of measles in a Nassau County resident. This is the third case in the state this year, but the first one outside of New York City.

This news is a bit concerning, especially considering the rise in measles cases across the country. It’s a good reminder to check your own vaccination status and make sure you’re up-to-date on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Here’s what we know so far:

• The Nassau County resident’s case is being monitored by both the NYSDOH and Nassau County health officials.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have also been notified.
• No details have been released about the patient’s identity or condition.

What to do if you think you’ve been exposed to measles:

Measles is a highly contagious disease, so if you think you might have been exposed, it’s important to call your doctor right away. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• A red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations:

The best way to protect yourself and your community from measles is to get vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, and it’s the best way to prevent this serious illness.

You can contact your doctor or local health department to find out if you need to be vaccinated.

Let’s work together to keep measles out of our communities!

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