Measles is a highly contagious disease that causes pneumonia, brain swelling, miscarriage, and even Death. New cases have been reported in New York City.
According to the New York City Department of Health, measles can be highly contagious and infect 90% of people not vaccinated who are in close contact with an infected individual.
New York State had 15 confirmed cases in 2024. 14 were located in New York City. In 2019, New York City had the largest outbreak of confirmed cases in the past decade.
New Jersey has recently seen several cases of measles. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, one patient was not vaccinated and traveled to another country before becoming ill.
New Jersey’s health department reported that two other people who were not vaccinated contracted this highly contagious disease from the patient.
What is the measles virus?
This respiratory illness is caused by one of the most contagious viruses in the world. It is an airborne virus that spreads when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Most commonly, it affects children.
The measles starts in the respiratory system and spreads to the rest of the body. This causes a fever, a runny or watery nose, a cough, watery, red eyes, and a rash.
It usually appears between three and five days following the initial symptoms. The red flat spots start on the cheeks and spread to the arms, legs, and feet. According to the CDC, when the rash occurs, the temperature may rise above 104 degrees.
Health officials state that there is no treatment specifically for measles. However, people who’ve had it once are not susceptible to getting it again.
What can be done to prevent the measles virus?
Measles can be prevented by getting the MMR vaccine (measles, rubella, mumps). First, children aged between 12-15 months are recommended to receive the MMR vaccine. The second dose is given between 4 and 6 years of age.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, vaccination rates in the United States have decreased. Most states fall below the 95 percent threshold required to protect against measles.
