A child in Suffolk County tested positive for measles, prompting health officials to sound the alarm about potential exposure to others.

The child, under the age of five and unvaccinated, was treated last week at Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park, located on the Nassau-Queens border.

Authorities are investigating whether anyone else may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.

Dr. John Zaso, a pediatrician and board member for the Nassau County Department of Health, highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that measles is the most contagious infectious disease in the world. He stated that for every confirmed case of measles, there is a high likelihood of additional exposures, with estimates suggesting that as many as nine to 10 other individuals could have been exposed to the virus.

State health officials have identified specific locations where potential exposure may have occurred. Those who were at the Pediatric Emergency Department at Cohen Children's Medical Center between March 3 and March 4 or who visited an inpatient child on the Medicine Three Unit from March 3 to March 6, could be at risk. A spokesperson for the hospital confirmed that they are working closely with health authorities to prevent further cases from arising.

Measles is a dangerous virus that can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling and blindness. It also kills about one in every 500 children who contract the disease. Health experts emphasize that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and protect children from its potentially deadly effects.

Dr. Zaso strongly urged parents to vaccinate their children, noting that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine has been in use for approximately 70 years, is safe and does not cause autism.

"Please, please protect your children," he said, stressing the importance of immunization.

In this case, the child with measles did not attend school or day care while contagious.

Additionally, health officials have stated that the Long Island case does not appear to be linked to any other recent measles outbreaks in the United States, including a fatal case involving a school-aged child in Texas.