New York Confirms Third Place in 2024 Despite Growing Measles Cases
The state of New York has confirmed its third case of measles this year, with the latest case being the first one detected outside of New York City. The infected individual is an unvaccinated young child from Nassau County, as confirmed by the Wadsworth Center in Albany. Health officials from Nassau County are working closely with the Department of Health (DOH) to monitor the case and determine if there is any potential exposure.
The child, who had not traveled abroad, has been hospitalized and all necessary infection control procedures have been implemented. Commissioner James McDonald of the Department of Health emphasizes the importance of proper immunization to protect against measles. He urges people to seek vaccination as soon as possible if they have not already done so. The increasing number of measles cases in New York, across the country, and globally indicates dangerously low immunization rates.
According to the Department of Health, individuals must receive two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine to be fully protected. Those who are unsure of their vaccination records are advised to contact their doctor or county health department. It is particularly important for individuals born between 1957 and 1971 to ensure they have been properly immunized, as vaccines given during this time may not have been reliable. People born before 1957 are likely already immune to the virus due to previous exposure.
The confirmation of this new case comes amidst a surge in measles cases both in the United States and around the world. As of Thursday, 64 cases had been reported in 17 states, surpassing last year’s total. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned that by the end of this year, more than half of the world’s countries will be at high or very high risk of measles outbreaks.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads through breathing in the virus or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that starts at the hairline and spreads to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet. The Department of Health advises individuals who have been exposed to quarantine for 21 days, while those who test positive should isolate until four days after the rash appears.
It is crucial for individuals to take measles prevention seriously and prioritize vaccination. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect against measles and prevent its spread. By ensuring high immunization rates, we can work towards reducing the number of measles cases and safeguarding public health.
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