2 New Measles Cases in Manhattan Bring NYC Total to 14 for 2025

Measles Cases and Public Health Alert

• 📌 Two adult measles cases have been confirmed in Manhattan, bringing the total citywide to 14 for 2025.
• ⚠️ The New York City Health Department is notifying individuals potentially exposed at restaurants in the Lower East Side and Soho.

Measles Contagiousness and Prevention

• 🦠 Measles is described as an extremely contagious virus, spreading through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.
• 💉 The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles infection and spread.
• 👶 The vaccine is typically administered between 12-15 months, making unvaccinated infants vulnerable.

Vaccination Rates and Concerns

• 📊 New York City boasts high vaccination rates, with 93% of children aged 24-35 months receiving at least one MMR dose and 97% of kindergarteners vaccinated.
• 📉 Health officials are concerned about potential decreases in vaccination rates, which could increase the risk of measles outbreaks in the city.
• 🌍 Globally and nationally, measles cases are increasing, with over 450 confirmed cases in the US this year, the highest in over three decades.

Addressing Misinformation

• 🗣️ Health experts emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare providers for accurate information regarding vaccines, as misinformation is prevalent.
• 💖 The decision to vaccinate is framed as a community responsibility, protecting vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants under six months old.