New York City officials report second measles case as Texas outbreak continues

As the measles outbreak continues to spread in Texas, cases have been reported in New Jersey as well as a second case in New York City.

The New York City Department of Health said that one additional case of measles has been reported in New York City.

“As a pediatrician and the State’s doctor, I want to remind everyone that immunization is safe and the best protection for your children against measles and other potentially deadly diseases,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a press release.

A first case was reported in New York City earlier this year, but acting commissioner of the New York City Health Department Dr. Michelle Morse told USA TODAY in a statement that the two reported cases are unrelated.

“For each case, our agency conducts routine case and contact investigation and we ensure proper follow-ups for exposed persons. Measles is highly contagious and can be deadly,” Morse said.

In 2024, 14 cases were reported in the city by the New York City Department of Health.

Measles outbreak reported in other states

The reported cases in New York come as three cases have been reported in neighboring New Jersey. According to the state’s Department of Health, the individuals who have tested positive for measles have been placed in quarantine.

In Texas, nearly 150 measles cases have been reported since late January. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, 146 cases were reported as of last Friday.

One death was reported last week, marking it as the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The death was of a school-age child in Lubbock, Texas, Zach Holbrooks, public health director and executive director of the South Plains Public Health District, said in an email.