Measles Case Confirmed, Nassau County Health Officials Say

MINEOLA, NY — Nassau County health officials have been alerted that an adult who arrived on an international flight through JFK International Airport had a confirmed case of measles. Health officials said Wednesday that the individual was exposed in a different country and that the case is unrelated to any current measles cases in the state.

County and state health officials are investigating the new case and will take further steps once the findings are finalized. Potential exposures are also under investigation, though health officials determined there is "minimal risk of exposure" to Nassau County residents. The health department is taking proactive steps to prevent any spread.

People who are not immune to the disease and were exposed could develop measles. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that spreads through direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of people who are infected. Symptoms appear a week or two after contact with the virus including, high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. A rash usually appears three to five days after the initial symptoms, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Individuals are considered protected or immune to measles if they were born before 1957, have received two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, have had measles disease, or have a lab test confirming immunity.

Anyone who may have been exposed and who is experiencing measles-like symptoms should contact their health care provider, a clinic, or emergency department.