Health Officials Warn of Potential Measles Exposure in NYC Hospital

New Hyde Park, NY – The Nassau County Department of Health (NCDOH) is issuing notification for a laboratory verified measles case in an unvaccinated resident of Nassau County who is less than 5 years of age. NCDOH, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH), and Northwell Health, are investigating the case and are taking the necessary proactive steps to prevent the spread of measles.

It has been determined there was potential exposure to measles for the public and persons who visited the following locations from 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2024:

Cohens Children's Medical Center Emergency Department Waiting Room and Treatment Area, 269-01 76th Ave, New Hyde Park, NY 11040

These times reflect the potential exposure period when the infected individual was in the identified areas.

Cohens Children's Medical Center is contacting patients who visited the emergency department at the time of the potential exposure and has identified patients who are at high risk who may require timely treatment.

The single best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated. The risk of developing measles is very low for people who have been vaccinated or are immune. Individuals are considered protected or immune to measles if they were born before 1957, have received two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, have had measles disease, or have a lab test confirming immunity. Individuals who are not immune to measles and were exposed are at risk for developing measles.

Individuals who have questions pertaining to their vaccination status should contact their healthcare provider.

To prevent the spread of illness, it is advised that individuals who may have been exposed and who develop symptoms consistent with measles contact their health care provider, a local clinic, or a local emergency department before presenting for care. This will help to prevent further spread. Symptoms of measles may include but are not limited to fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis or runny nose.

For additional information about measles, visit the NYSDOH's website here. Information about the measles vaccine can be found here.

NYSDOH has issued two press releases, which can be found here and here.