A Suffolk County child tested positive for measles, prompting health officials to issue an alarm about potential exposure to others.
The child, under the age of five, has not been vaccinated, but was treated last week at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park on the Nassau Keynes border.
Officials are investigating whether anyone else could have been exposed to a highly contagious virus.
Dr. John Zaso, a pediatrician and board member of the Nassau County Department of Health, highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that measles is the most contagious infection in the world. He said there was a high possibility of additional exposure for all confirmed cases of measles, suggesting that as many as 9-10 individuals may have been exposed to the virus.
State health officials are identifying specific locations where potential exposures may have occurred. Those who were in the pediatric emergency department at Cohen Children’s Medical Center between March 3 and March 4, or who visited the inpatient child in three units from March 3 to March 6, could be at risk. A hospital spokesman confirmed that he is working closely with health officials to prevent further incidents from occurring.
Measles is a dangerous virus that can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and blindness. It also kills about 1 in every 500 children who get sick. Health experts emphasize that vaccinations are the most effective way to prevent measles and protect children from its potentially fatal effects.
Dr. Zaso urged parents to vaccinate their children, noting that the measles, mumps and Revera (MMR) vaccine has been in use for about 70 years, safe and does not cause autism.
“Please, protect your child,” he said, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations.
In this case, children with measles did not attend school or daycare during the contagious period.
Additionally, health officials say the Long Island incident appears to have no connection to other measles outbreaks in the United States, including fatal incidents involving school-age children in Texas.
