3 new measles cases confirmed in New York state as infections rise nationwide

New York state health officials confirmed three new cases of measles in children under 5, bringing the state’s total to seven so far this year.

The children, all residents of Orange County, roughly 70 miles north of New York City, recently returned from international travel and were not vaccinated against the disease, according to the New York State Department of Health. The new cases come amid a global and domestic increase in measles cases, officials said.

The cases are not connected to other known outbreaks in the United States, officials said. There is currently no evidence of broader community spread, state officials said Thursday.

“Our epidemiology and vaccine experts at the state health department and the state’s Wadsworth Lab are working in collaboration with the health officials of Orange County and the surrounding areas to monitor and investigate any cases or potential exposures,” state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a statement. “There is no specific treatment for measles, and it is easily preventable. The most important thing people can do to protect themselves is to ensure they have had two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.”

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air and can cause serious complications including pneumonia, brain swelling and, in rare cases, death. Babies as young as 6 months should get an early dose of the MMR vaccine if traveling abroad, state officials said.

New York has not reported community transmission, but low vaccination rates in some neighborhoods, including parts of Staten Island and Hell’s Kitchen, are raising concerns. Citywide, only about 81% of toddlers had received the first dose of the MMR vaccine as of late March, well below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.