New York has hit a 15-year high in flu cases, and has now tested positive for two other highly contagious and potentially dangerous diseases, Wibx reported.

The latest warning comes as health officials are warning residents that bird flu is spreading in the state. Recently, a backyard flock of poultry in Madison County had to be euthanized after officials confirmed a case of the highly contagious disease.

In addition to bird flu and the flu, which has killed nine children in New York this season, residents should be on the lookout for measles and monkeypox.

At least five states have confirmed increasing numbers of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said it is tracking cases in Alaska, Georgia, New York, Rhode Island and Texas. The vast majority of those infected have not been vaccinated against the highly contagious and potentially deadly disease.

The CDC says of the disease: “Measles is a serious illness that can cause severe illness in people, especially young children. Complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, miscarriage, premature birth, hospitalization, and death.”

As of the last reporting period, there were 10 confirmed cases in New York City. Nine of those cases were in New York City, and one was reported in another part of the state.

The Department of Health and Human Services did not say in which part of the state the case was reported.

All residents are urged to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The virus is spread through coughing and sneezing and can survive on surfaces for up to two hours. People who breathe in the virus or touch a contaminated surface and then touch their face have a 90% chance of getting measles if they are not vaccinated.

For the first time, New York has confirmed a case of the new strain of monkeypox (mpox). This prompted the state Department of Health to issue a health advisory.

The infected person had recently traveled to Africa and is symptomatic.

“The person who contracted the virus is under the care of a physician and is isolated until symptoms resolve. There is no known local transmission of mpox clade Ib in the person’s community or anywhere in New York State,” the department said, adding that the threat to the public remains very low.

There are currently no other confirmed cases of this specific strain of mpox.

Monkeypox is rarely fatal, but it can be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. Scientists say the new strain is more contagious. People infected with mpox are urged to remain isolated until their symptoms resolve. | BGNES