Alarming Measles Case in Suffolk: 12 Residents Potentially Exposed

A Suffolk County infant, who likely contracted measles during an overseas trip and was not yet eligible for vaccination, has been discharged from the hospital and is now recovering. Health officials reported this development on Wednesday, raising concerns about potential exposures linked to this case.

Residents who were present at certain areas of the Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park between March 3 and March 6 are being closely monitored for possible measles exposure. According to Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott, 12 individuals are under observation. Notably, 11 of these individuals had been vaccinated against measles, while the other—an infant too young for routine vaccination—has received immune globulin, a treatment that can help prevent the disease after exposure. This infant is currently in quarantine.

Meanwhile, officials from the Nassau County Health Department also indicated that local residents may have been exposed within the same timeframe at Cohen Children's Medical Center. However, they have not released the specific number of individuals being monitored.

It’s an evolving situation, and we cannot provide further details at this time,” stated health department spokesperson Alyssa Zohrabian in an email.

The recent case marks the third measles infection reported in New York State this year, and notably, it takes place outside of New York City. The last measles case on Long Island was recorded in March 2024, when another vaccinated child from Nassau County was treated and subsequently released after recovery.

Health professionals are emphasizing the seriousness of measles, especially for young children. Dr. Aleena Zahra, an infectious disease physician at Catholic Health's St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, highlighted the disease's potential complications in children under 5, including pneumonia, severe ear infections, and encephalitis—an inflammation of the brain. Historically, before the measles vaccine became available in 1963, the disease claimed the lives of 400 to 500 individuals annually in the United States, with tens of thousands requiring hospitalization.

Vaccination schedules typically commence when children are between 12 and 15 months old, leaving many infants unprotected during their first year. However, Dr. Zahra noted that children traveling internationally may receive an earlier dose of the vaccine. The same applies for those in areas experiencing active outbreaks.

The Suffolk County case was contained, with health authorities confirming it was limited to the infant’s family and unrelated to current measles outbreaks elsewhere in the U.S. Texas is facing a notable outbreak, where 223 measles cases have been reported, including one tragic instance where a school-aged child died from the disease.

Dr. Zahra advises that awareness of measles symptoms is crucial for parents. Symptoms typically manifest 10 to 12 days after exposure, starting with a high fever, runny nose, and cough. This may be followed by Koplik spots—tiny white spots in the mouth—before a red rash spreads across the face and body.

It’s essential for anyone who was at the Cohen's pediatric emergency department on March 3 or 4, or those who visited the inpatient Medicine 3 unit between March 3 and 6, to seek medical attention if they suspect they’ve been exposed to measles.

In a statement aimed at reassuring the public, the hospital emphasized its commitment to working closely with health officials to adhere to established exposure protocols, thus preventing any further cases arising from this incident. Northwell Health, the parent organization of Cohen Children's Medical Center, has stated that there is no new information regarding the young measles patient or the possible exposed individuals.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing health situation as authorities continue to monitor the risk of measles in our communities!