The first measles case in Nassau since 2024 has been recorded as an unvaccinated child under the age of five who tested positive for the virus on Monday, May 4, according to county health officials.

The Nassau County Department of Health said in a press release that it was notified of a laboratory-confirmed case and that the department, along with the state Department of Health, is investigating and taking necessary proactive steps to prevent further spread of the “highly contagious” respiratory virus.

“We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves and their families by making sure they are up to date on important, lifesaving immunizations,” Dr. Irina Gelman, theNassau County health commissioner, said in a statement.

Symptoms of measles, which usually appear 10 to 12 days after exposure, but may appear as early as seven days and as late as 21 days after exposure, may include fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a rash, health officials say. A person with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days afterward.

Measles can cause serious illness, with complications that may include pneumonia, encephalitis, and often result in hospitalization and sometimes death, Gelman said.

The virus can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through contact with nasal or throat secretions, including by touching a contaminated surface and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth, health officials say.

The health department recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine as the “single best way to prevent measles” and says the vaccine is safe but may cause side effects that typically resolve on their own.

TheCenters for Disease Control and Preventionrecommends children receive their first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months, and their second between the ages of four and six.

There have been 10 reported measles cases across the state since the start of the year, according to thestate Department of Health.

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Source: LI Press