Measles Information for Providers - NYC Health

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Immunizations

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Infectious Diseases

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Children and Adolescents

Immigrant Health


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)

Measles Guidance for Providers

Clinical Presentation, Lab Testing, Vaccination (Routine and Travel) Recommendations, Infection Control Guidance (PDF)

Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Guidance for Measles Exposures (PDF)

Preventing Measles in Health Care Settings During an Outbreak (PDF)

Dear CEO/CMO: Addressing Measles in Your Health Facility (PDF, June 2024)

Reporting

Report possible measles cases at the time of clinical suspicion, without waiting for laboratory confirmation, by calling the Provider Access Line at 866-692-3641.

Handouts for Patients Exposed to Measles

Instructions for People Exposed to Measles Who Receive Immune Globulin (PDF)

Other Languages: Español | 中文 | ײִדיש

Instructions for People Exposed to Measles Who Are Not Immune (PDF)

Other Languages: Español | 中文 | ײִדיש | Português

Posters

Measles Clinician Alert (PDF, July 2024): One page poster for health care settings with images of rash and summary guidance for healthcare providers. Print copies may be ordered by calling 311 or the Provider Access Line at 866-692-3641.

Common Rashes/Illnesses in Children (PDF)

For health care facility entrances:

Tell Staff if You Have Fever, Rash, Cough or Trouble Breathing (PDF)
Other Languages: Español | 中文 | 简体中文 | বাংলা | Kreyòl ayisyen | اردو | Русский | 정의 | Français | ײִדיש | العربية | Italiano | Polski

Visitors Are Welcome... Germs Are Not (PDF)
Other Languages: Español | 中文 | 简体中文 | বাংলা | Kreyòl ayisyen | اردو | Русский | 정의 | Français | ײִדיש | العربية | Italiano | Polski

Additional Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Measles Information for Health Care Professionals

Pink Book: Epidemiology and Prevention of Measles

Vaccines Do No Cause Autism

Immunization Action Coalition

Vaccine Information Statement (in 21 languages)

Ask the Experts: Talking About Vaccines: Autism

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Vaccine Safety and Autism Resources

More Information

Measles Main Page

General Immunization Information for Providers