Health officials are analyzing wastewater and support vaccination initiatives to protect residents.
Mineola, NY- In light of the rising number of measles cases being reported in several areas of the U.S., including cases in New York City and Suffolk County, the Nassau County Department of Health wants to reassure residents that it is taking steps to protect Nassau County residents. There have been no reported measles cases in Nassau County in 2025.
“This recent announcement from NYSDOH and Suffolk County serves as an important reminder of the critical need for timely vaccination,” said Nassau County Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman. “Immunization is the most effective way to protect individuals and our community from vaccine-preventable diseases like measles.”
Measles is one of many pathogens that the NCDOH is actively monitoring for through its comprehensive wastewater and syndromic surveillance programs. In partnership with experts at Stony Brook University, this analysis allows for early detection of public health threats at the local level so that health officials can act to safeguard our communities.
To protect the health of our community from vaccine preventable disease, NCDOH conducts in-person visits and follow up meetings with healthcare professionals who have low immunization rates, who provide care in areas with lower vaccination rates, or who have staffing needs that require additional attention. Furthermore, the Department urges pediatricians, school districts, and daycare providers to remain vigilant about vaccination rates. Public health campaigns are ongoing to improve vaccine uptake and educate individuals on the importance of life saving immunizations.
Measles cases in U.S.
While there have been no confirmed measles cases in Nassau County, outbreaks of the illness have been confirmed in other areas of the country. As of March 7, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there have been a total of 222 cases of the illness across 12 jurisdictions in 2025, including two deaths.
While the majority of cases and outbreaks of the illness have occurred in Texas and New Mexico, the New York State Department of Health confirmed that there have been three cases of measles infection in New York this year.
Of the 222 cases reported in 2025, the CDC notes that 94% of infected individuals had an “unvaccinated” or “unknown” vaccination status. Rates of infection among those who received one or two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine were 4% and 2%, respectively.
What to do
Nassau residents are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider regarding all immunizations. The MMR vaccine is proven safe and effective, significantly reducing the risk of contracting measles and mitigating potential complications. NCDOH is available to help any Nassau County resident with questions about this or other public health topics. You can contact the Department by phone at 516-227-9697 or through its online contact form for more information.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/history.html
https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-02-27_measles.htm
https://forms.nassaucountyny.gov/contact/agencies/health/contact.php