New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is ordering hospitals in his state to isolate measles patients or anyone suspected of having the highly infectious disease. 

 

New York State (outside of New York City) has reported five measles cases in 2014 and one in 2015 so far. New York City has reported 24 measles cases in 2014 and 2105.

According to the order, any patient who arrives to the hospital with a fever and rash (the main symptoms of measles) must immediately be placed in isolation. If no such isolation room is available, then the patient’s examining room should be cleared for two hours after the patient departs.

 

Patients must be masked while they are transported through the hospital, and elevators and corridors should not be used for two hours afterwards. In addition, any medical procedures the patient needs should be performed in their room or delayed until the patient is no longer infectious, the order says.

 

“The large number of recent cases nationwide emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to have a heightened awareness of the potential for measles in their communities, and the importance of providing vaccination at the earliest recommended age to prevent measles,” the order says.

In addition, it calls for the state health care providers to notify local health departments of any new measles cases.