Measles Information for Providers

2024 Update on Measles in New York City

Providers should be vigilant for possible cases of measles due to an increase in the number of people with measles in NYC this year. As of July 2024, the NYC Health Department has identified more than ten people with measles. The majority of infections were acquired while abroad; two locally acquired cases were identified in July.

Measles is highly contagious: infected individuals are contagious from four days before through four days after rash onset. People with measles who visit a health care facility, particularly emergency departments, can result in large numbers of exposed individuals. 

Action Items for Clinicians

• Screening: At healthcare facility points of entry, screen all patients with fever for a rash, and inquire about recent international travel or known exposure to measles. This applies to people of all ages, not just children. Several measles cases have been identified in adults. 
• Isolation, Reporting, and Diagnostic Testing: Patients suspected of measles should be immediately isolated in a negative pressure room. Call the NYC Health Department Provider Access Line (PAL) at 866-692-3641 to report possible measles cases at the time of clinical suspicion (do not wait for laboratory confirmation) and arrange for testing at the NYC Health Department’s Public Health Laboratory. Find information on isolation, reporting and testing guidelines (PDF). 
• Vaccination: Make sure all patients are up to date on measles vaccine. Infants aged 6–11 months should receive an early, extra dose of vaccine before international travel. Children aged 12 months and older should receive two doses before international travel.
• Disseminate Information: Display the Measles Clinician Alert Poster (PDF) to remind providers to be vigilant, and to help providers recognize measles in patients with different skin tones. To order copies of the poster, call 311 or the PAL at 866-692-3641.

Measles Resources

• Measles Letter to Providers, Quick Reference (PDF, January 2024)
• HAN Advisory #3: Be Vigilant for Measles Cases (PDF, January, 2024)
• HAN Advisory #7: Increase in Global and Domestic Measles Cases and Outbreaks: Ensure Children in the United States and Those Traveling Internationally 6 Months and Older are Current on MMR Vaccination (PDF, March 2024)