Community Corner

Measles Confirmed in Nine-Month-Old

Child was at Macy's at Roosevelt Field Mall Jan. 20 between 3 and 10:30 p.m

A case of measles has been confirmed in a 9-month-old Nassau County child who was at Macy's in Roosevelt Field Mall Jan. 20 between 3 and 10:30 p.m. according the Nassau County Department of Health.

According to a health department advisory released Wednesday, the child recently traveled internationally to a location with known measles.

Residents may have been exposed if they too were at Macy's Jan. 20 between 3 and 10:30 p.m.

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"In our efforts to prevent the spread of illness, Nassau County Department of Health is advising individuals who may have been exposed and who have symptoms consistent with measles to call their health care providers or emergency rooms before going for care so that others are not exposed to the illness," the health department advisory states.

Measles, a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus, is easily spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people. Symptoms generally appear in two stages, according to the health department:

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  • First Stage: In the first stage, which lasts two to four days, an individual may have a runny nose, cough and a slight fever. Eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light while the fever gradually rises each day, according to the health department.  
  • Second Stage: The second stage begins on the third to seventh day and consists of a red blotchy rash lasting five to six days. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads downward and outward, reaching the hands and feet. The rash fades in the same order that it appeared, from head to extremities, according to the health department.

Symptoms usually appear in 10 to 12 days but can occur as late as 18 days after exposure. 

Although usually considered a childhood disease, health department officials warn measles can be contracted at any age and that the "single best way" to prevent measles is to be vaccinated.

Measles containing vaccine is recommended for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1957, who does not have a history of physician-diagnosed measles or a blood test confirming measles immunity. Individuals should receive two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine to be protected. The first dose should be at 12-15 months of age and the second should be given at 4 to 6 years of age (age of school entry), according to health officials.

All emergency rooms, the Nassau County Medical Society and the Nassau County Pediatric Society have been notified. For additional information, visit the Health Department website or call 516-227-9697.


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