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Measles cases rise in New York and New Jersey amid national outbreaks; health officials emphasize vaccination as key prevention measure.
New York (NC) — Health officials in New York and New Jersey are grappling with a concerning rise in measles cases as part of a broader national outbreak. The highly contagious disease has already affected multiple states, with New York reporting its first case outside of New York City this year in Suffolk County, Long Island.
Meanwhile, New Jersey has confirmed three cases, adding to the growing tally of infections across the United States.
The Suffolk County case involves an infant under five years old who is too young to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The child was treated at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, where health officials have identified at least 12 individuals who may have been exposed.
These individuals were either present in the pediatric emergency department on March 3 or 4 or visited inpatient areas from March 3 to 6.
Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Health Commissioner, reassured residents that the region’s high vaccination rate should help contain the spread.
However, he urged everyone to ensure their vaccinations are up to date to protect vulnerable populations. The case is believed to be travel-related, as the child likely contracted measles abroad. This highlights the importance of vaccination, particularly for those traveling internationally.
In New Jersey, three unvaccinated residents from Bergen County were diagnosed with measles earlier this year.
The state’s Department of Health is working closely with local healthcare providers to monitor potential exposures and prevent further spread. These cases are part of a larger pattern seen across the country, with outbreaks reported in states such as Texas, California, and Georgia.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 222 measles cases across 12 jurisdictions as of March 6, 2025. Texas and New Mexico account for the majority of these cases, with Texas alone reporting 198 infections and one fatality—the first measles-related death in the U.S. in over a decade.
Most of these cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
The CDC defines an outbreak as three or more related cases and has identified three outbreaks so far this year. In comparison, there were 16 outbreaks in 2024.
Despite these numbers, U.S. immunization programs have kept the risk of widespread measles relatively low.
However, experts warn that declining vaccination rates in certain communities could undermine these efforts.
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Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, with approximately 90% of unvaccinated individuals contracting it after exposure. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can linger in the air for up to two hours after they leave an area.
Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a characteristic red rash that spreads across the body.
Complications from measles can be severe, particularly for young children and immunocompromised individuals. These include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death.
According to CDC data for 2025 so far, 20% of reported cases required hospitalization.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. The MMR vaccine is highly effective when administered in two doses—97% protection against the disease is achieved after completing both doses.
The CDC recommends that children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months old and a second dose between four and six years old.
Despite its effectiveness, vaccination rates have declined in some areas due to misinformation about vaccine safety. In Texas’ Gaines County—one of the hardest-hit regions—non-medical vaccine exemptions among K-12 students reached 13.6% during the last academic year. This has contributed significantly to the current outbreak.
In response to these developments, public health officials are urging parents to vaccinate their children and ensure they are protected before traveling internationally or attending large gatherings where exposure risks are higher.
As spring travel season approaches, health authorities are intensifying public awareness campaigns about the importance of vaccination. The CDC has issued a health advisory urging clinicians to remain vigilant for signs of measles and educate patients about preventive measures.
The recent surge in measles cases serves as a stark reminder of how quickly infectious diseases can spread when vaccination coverage declines.
While efforts are underway to contain current outbreaks in New York, New Jersey, Texas, and other states, public health experts stress that maintaining high immunization rates is critical to preventing future outbreaks.
