Measles Alert in NYC: SoHo and Lower East Side Exposure

New York City health officials have issued a warning about possible measles exposure in SoHo and the Lower East Side of Manhattan. While the exact number of people exposed and the specific locations remain undisclosed, authorities confirm two linked measles cases. The city's health department is actively working to identify and notify potentially affected individuals.

Although vaccination rates are high in NYC, individuals who are unvaccinated or have underlying health conditions and were in the affected areas face a higher risk. This year alone, the city has recorded 13 measles cases across all five boroughs.

Understanding Measles

Measles, a highly contagious virus, initially attacks the respiratory system before spreading throughout the body. Symptoms include:

• High fever
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Red, watery eyes
• Characteristic rash (appearing 3-5 days after initial symptoms)

The rash starts as flat red spots on the face and progresses downwards. The fever can spike to over 104°F when the rash appears. While most children recover, serious complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death can occur.

Treatment and Prevention

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for measles. Medical care focuses on managing symptoms, preventing complications, and ensuring patient comfort. Vaccination is crucial for preventing measles. Health officials urge parents to ensure their children's vaccinations are up-to-date in light of the recent increase in cases both nationally and globally.

<img src="https://media.nbcnewyork.com/2025/09/GettyImages-937382850.jpg?quality=85&amp;strip=all" alt="Measles rash image">