Confirmed case of measles in unvaccinated child on Long Island: New York State Department of Health
NASSAU COUNTY, Long Island (WABC) -- A confirmed case of measles on Long Island is New York State's first case outside of New York City this year.
State and Nassau County health officials are investigating the laboratory-confirmed measles case in an unvaccinated child. According to the New York State Department of Health, the individual is hospitalized and there is no indication they have traveled abroad.
Officials in the meantime are urging people to make sure that they are up to date with their vaccinations, including getting immunized Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
There have been three reported cases of measles in New York so far, including two cases in New York City.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is spread through direct contact with an infected person's nasal and throat secretions, such as their coughing or sneezing. A person can also get the disease by touching an infected surface.
RELATED | What to know about measles symptoms and treatment
7-14 days, and up to 21 days after infection, symptoms for measles can include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
3-5 days after symptoms begin, a rash occurs.
The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body.
When the rash appears, a person's fever may spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
Individuals who are concerned they may have been exposed to or have symptoms consistent with measles should contact their health care provider, local clinic or local emergency department for further guidance.
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