Second measles case of the year confirmed in Nassau County, officials warn of potential exposure
A second measles case this year has been confirmed by Nassau County officials. Credit: AP/Mary Conlon
People who visited any of several medical offices in Nassau County on Oct. 8 may have been exposed to measles after a resident who was at those locations tested positive for the highly contagious disease, county health officials announced Friday.
The individual, who is over 50 and was not vaccinated against measles, is the second lab-confirmed case in the county this year. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause severe illness.
Measles cases have surged in the U.S. over the last two years, primarily in areas where people are unvaccinated or undervaccinated. Earlier this month, Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency due to a rise in measles cases in rural areas of the state. Long Island has had relatively few cases in recent years.
The Nassau County Health Department said the potential exposure to measles took place in the hallways, lobbies and other common areas at the following locations and times:
- 1991 Marcus Ave. in New Hyde Park between the hours of 8:39 a.m. and 12:14 p.m. The building at that address houses ambulatory care for NYU Langone, Northwell Health Labs and other medical offices.
- 173 Froehlich Farm Blvd. in Woodbury between the hours of 12:39 p.m. to 2:44 p.m. That building also houses doctors from NYU Langone who provide outpatient services.
- 825 Northern Blvd. in Great Neck between 3:03 p.m. to 5:14 p.m. and 611 Northern Blvd. in Great Neck between 4:05 p.m. and 6:11 p.m. Both buildings house numerous medical offices and services
The county Health Department said anyone who visited those locations and who have symptoms such as a high fever, cough, watery eyes and a rash should contact their healthcare provider, urgent care or emergency department before being seen by clinicians.
The state Health Department and the Nassau County Health Department are investigating the case.
Nassau County Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman said they are looking into any potential exposures and "taking the necessary steps to prevent the spread of measles."
"Measles can cause serious illness, with complications that may include pneumonia, encephalitis, and often results in hospitalization and sometimes death," Gelman said in a statement. "We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves and their families by making sure they are up to date on important, lifesaving immunizations."
NYU Langone Health spokesman James Iorio said the health system is "following our protocols and coordinating with Nassau County to make any necessary notifications."
A young unvaccinated child in Nassau County tested positive earlier this year. There was one case in Suffolk County in 2025, and one case in Nassau in 2024. Both patients were young unvaccinated children.
New York State has reported 126 cases in 2026 to date outside of New York City. City health officials said they have had seven confirmed cases so far. Statewide, there were 48 measles cases in 2025 and 15 in 2024.
Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.
Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 4: Top football teams in action, fantasy update and plays of the week Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week.
Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 4: Top football teams in action, fantasy update and plays of the week Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week.
