Young child infected with measles in Nassau County; first case in county since 2024

NASSAU COUNTY, New York (WABC) -- Health officials in Nassau County have confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated child under the age of 5.

It's the county's first reported measles case since 2024.

The Nassau County Department of Health says it's working with the New York State Department of Health to investigate how the child was exposed and to prevent the virus from spreading further.

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"The Nassau County Department of Health is closely investigating the case, including any potential exposures, and taking the necessary steps to prevent the spread of measles," said Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman.

She warned that measles can be serious, sometimes leading to pneumonia, brain inflammation or hospitalization, and urged families to make sure vaccinations are up to date.

The state's health commissioner said many of New York's prior cases involved exposure outside of the state.

"Because immunization rates in New York state are pretty good, we aren't seeing wide community-based outbreaks, that's important," said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.

Immunization rates are dropping and measles cases in New York tripled between 2024 and 2025.

In 2025, there were 20 confirmed cases in New York City and 28 in New York State outside of NYC for 48 total. In 2026, there have been five confirmed cases of measles in New York City and five in New York State outside of NYC for 10 total.

"It's as contagious as any disease known to man, and it's so sad for people who practice medicine and do this, to see measles come roaring back as a result of poor vaccination rates and misinformation about those vaccines," said Northwell Health Infectious Diseases Chief Dr. Bruce Farber.

The state's measles vaccination rate is currently sitting at under 81% for children under age 2. The Centers for Disease Control considers 95% the benchmark for herd immunity.

But among school-aged children in New York, health officials do say the vaccination rate is higher at 97%.

"But it's one of those things where we just have to be conscious about - this is a national problem," McDonald said. "You know, it just doesn't' help that the national conversation about vaccination has led towards confusion, not towards what we know works."

Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.

Symptoms usually start with fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by a rash several days later. Someone with measles can spread the virus both before and after the rash appears.

Health officials say anyone who may have been exposed and is feeling sick should call their doctor or medical facility before going in, so steps can be taken to avoid exposing others.

Doctors say vaccination is the best protection. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide strong immunity, and the vaccine is considered very safe. Anyone unsure of their vaccination status is encouraged to check with their health care provider.

One new case of measles was also confirmed in an adult in Manhattan on Tuesday.

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