New York City confirms two cases of measles

Two cases of measles have been confirmed in New York City in late February, according to the New York City Department of Health.

Officials did not detect the ages or status of vaccination of both cases, but they are asking parents to vaccinate their children.

The news comes after New Jersey has issued an alarm of measles in response to three cases confirmed in Bergen County.

According to the NYC Health Department, both cases are not related to one that occurs earlier this year.

“For each case, our agency conducts routine issues and contact investigation and we provide appropriate follow -up to the exposed persons.” Acting Commissioner of the Health Department at NYC, Dr. Michelle Morse told USA Today.

“Measles is very contagious and can be deadly.”

The city had 14 cases in 2024, constituting almost all 15 total cases of New York State. The rest of the New York state still has no confirmed cases this year.

Measles was officially eliminated in the US in 2000, but the cases have been on the rise in recent years. According to the CDC, there have been 164 cases across the US since February 27, spreading to Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Rhode Island and Texas. Twenty percent of those cases resulted in hospitalization.

Texas has had the largest explosion with 146 cases, and last week reported the first death of the country since 2015.

Measles, also called rubella, shows no symptoms for the first 10-14 days after infection. Those who are infected then usually experience cough, sore throat, running nose, pink eyes, white spots inside the mouth, a rash of stained skin and fever, which can rise up to 104 to 105.8 p.

Also highly contagious – people with measles can spread it for a few days before the rash appears.

According to the New York City Health Department. If a person has measles, 90% of those around them who have not been vaccinated or immune through previous infection will receive it.

Health officials have requested the use of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines as individual protection against the virus and promote the herd immunity.

“As a pediatrician and the state doctor, I want to remind everyone that immunization is safe and the best protection for your children against measles and other potentially deadly diseases,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald in a PSA.

“Measles is a very contagious, serious respiratory disease that causes redness and fever. In some cases, measles can reduce the ability of the immune system to combat other infections such as pneumonia.

“I encourage anyone who is not vaccinated by measles to receive at least one dose of measles, mumps and rubella vaccines and vaccinate their children with two doses.”

Morse added to Pix11: “If you get the vaccine, the risk for measles for you is too small, it leads to 97% coverage.”

While it is very rare to get measles if you are completely vaccinated, progress infections occur, with CDC stressing that they make up about 5% of total infections.

These are common in places where there in an explosion means that there are more people with virus, increasing potential exposure.