New York ? Even though measles was officially declared eliminated in the United States eight years ago, a single case on Long Island is one of dozens nationally this year fueling concerns about an upsurge of a largely forgotten scourge.

Overall, 72 cases have occurred this year across 10 states in a reappearance called the largest since 2001.

The Nassau County Health Department recorded a measles case last month, its first since 2006, when there were two. This time, an 8-month-old baby apparently contracted the infection in Israel.

Of the states reporting measles, New York has been hardest hit. Along with the Long Island case, there have been 22 in New York City, essentially a third of all cases nationally.