Measles Case Confirmed For Child On LI: Dept. Of Health

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A confirmed case of measles in a Suffolk County resident under five years old has been reported, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.

Suffolk County health officials, in coordination with the New York State Department of Health and Northwell Health, are investigating the case and are taking necessary proactive steps to prevent the spread of measles, the health department said.

According to an SCDH press release, there was potential exposure to measles for persons who visited the pediatric emergency department at Cohen Children's Medical Center in Queens on March 3 and 4, or visited an inpatient child on the Medicine 3 unit from March 3 to March 6. These times reflect the potential exposure period when the infected individual was in the identified areas, SCDH said.

The medical center is contacting patients who visited the emergency department and the pediatric floor at the time of the potential exposure and has identified patients who are at high risk who may require timely treatment, SCDH said.

Anyone who feels they may have been exposed should consult with their doctor or pediatrician or contact their local health department, SCPH said.

SCPD said the investigation is ongoing and potential other exposures are also being assessed. The SCDH has confirmed, however, that the child with measles did not attend daycare or school while infectious.

"As we follow this case and closely monitor potential exposures, 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 their measles vaccines and all recommended and lifesaving immunizations," said Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services.

According to SCPH, measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is spread by coughing or sneezing into the air. Individuals can catch the virus by breathing it in, or by touching a contaminated surface, then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Complications may include pneumonia, encephalitis, miscarriage, preterm birth, hospitalization, and death.

The incubation period for measles is up to 21 days. People who are exposed to measles and have not been previously vaccinated should quarantine for 21 days after exposure. Exposed persons who have been vaccinated with MMR do not need to quarantine but should self-monitor for 21 days and stay home if they develop symptoms. Persons diagnosed with measles should isolate until four days after the rash appears, SCDH advised.

Symptoms for measles can include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash of red, flat spots appears on the person's face and then spreads to the rest of their body, SCDH said.

A person with measles can pass it to others as soon as four days before a rash appears and as late as four days after the rash appears.

According to SCDH, the best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated. One dose of MMR vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles; two doses are about 97 percent effective. Individuals are advised to receive two doses of MMR vaccine to be fully protected. If a person is unsure if they are immune, they should contact their healthcare provider.

Families who plan to travel with an infant that is younger than 12 months of age are advised to contact their pediatrician to determine if their child may receive the measles vaccine early. Children over 12 months of age and adults who have not completed a two-dose series of MMR are also advised to contact their doctors to discuss vaccination before travel, the health department said.

Health care providers in Suffolk County should report suspected measles cases to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services: 631-854-0333.