Measles Cases Confirmed in New York
Health authorities in New York have confirmed measles cases in both Nassau County and Manhattan in recent days, marking the first reported cases in these jurisdictions since 2024 and 2025 respectively. Public health officials are investigating and notifying potentially exposed individuals.
Cases and Patient Details
Nassau County
The Nassau County Health Department confirmed a laboratory-confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated child under five years old. This is the first measles case in the county since 2024. Officials stated the child does not attend school or daycare. The county is collaborating with the New York State Health Department to investigate and prevent further transmission.
Manhattan
The New York City Health Department confirmed a measles case in Manhattan. Prior to this case, five measles cases had been confirmed in New York City in 2026, all linked to international travel. The most recent case involved an unvaccinated adult. No secondary cases have been reported.
Potential Exposure Locations
Norma Restaurant (Manhattan)
According to the NYC Health Department, an individual with a confirmed measles case visited the restaurant Norma in Hell's Kitchen on April 25 between 5–8 p.m. The department stated it is working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed.
388 Italian Restaurant (Roslyn Heights, NY)
The Nassau County Health Department warned of potential measles exposure at 388 Italian Restaurant in Roslyn Heights. A New York City resident with a laboratory-confirmed measles case dined at the restaurant on May 3 between 7:15 and 10 p.m.
The restaurant released a statement confirming the incident, stating that the virus is no longer viable indoors within two hours, and that a thorough cleaning occurred after the evening service on May 3. The restaurant reports full cooperation with health authorities and no additional linked cases.
Health Authority Statements
A New York State Health Department spokesperson encouraged vaccination and stated the department continues to monitor cases.
A NYC Health Department spokesperson stated:
"The NYC Health Department is responding to a measles case in Manhattan through its robust disease surveillance and reporting system, working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed. The risk to the general public is low due to high vaccination coverage among New Yorkers and there have been no reports of secondary cases. This is a reminder of the importance of vaccination, which is the best protection against measles."
Nassau County Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman stated that measles can cause serious illness including pneumonia, encephalitis, hospitalization, and death, and urged residents to stay up to date on immunizations.
Medical Context
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus spread through air or contact with secretions. It can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, according to Dr. Jennifer Gallub, a pediatrician at Northwell Health.
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by rash, appearing 7–21 days after exposure. The virus can be spread from four days before the rash appears to four days after.
Two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine are recommended for prevention. Dr. Gallub stated the MMR vaccine is safe and effective. People born before 1957, those with two doses of MMR, prior measles infection, or lab-confirmed immunity are considered protected.
Vaccination Rates
In Nassau County, 82.3% of residents received at least one MMR dose by age two; in Suffolk County, 82.2%.
Public health officials note that the herd immunity threshold for measles is 95% or greater.
Suffolk County reported no measles cases this year; its last case was in March 2025.
Public Health Recommendations
Health authorities advise potentially exposed individuals to contact healthcare providers before visiting to prevent further spread, and recommend vaccination.