Measles Outbreak: 13 More Cases In Four Days In Rockland County

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — There are 68 confirmed cases of measles within Rockland County as well as 11 suspected cases. That's a jump of 13 cases in just four days.

County Department of Health officials said that the entire county should be considered at risk. Even people previously considered immune — anyone born before 1957 and anyone who has received two doses of measles vaccine — could catch the highly contagious disease.

Health officials tightened restrictions on schools in the geographic area where the outbreak is concentrated. All schools in New Square and any school in Spring Valley or Monsey where the immunization rate is lower than 80 percent, must keep un- or under-vaccinated students at home.

The restrictions, which affect 34 schools, will apply until 21 days after the last measles case is confirmed in the county — and officials acknowledge that that could be months away.

The county also wants children to be vaccinated earlier than usual. Instead of waiting till 12 months, any child 6 months or older or any adult who has not received their first MMR vaccine yet should get their first MMR vaccine now.

"We continue to encourage everyone to be up-to-date with the MMR vaccine to help protect them in case of any future exposure to measles in Rockland," said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. "Measles is highly contagious, so anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting the disease, and they may spread measles to people who cannot get vaccinated because they are too young or have specific health conditions."

The outbreak in Rockland, which started with visitors from Israel and residents who visited Israel, is primarily affecting the ultra-orthodox Jewish community.

It's occurring in Hasidic communities in New Jersey and Brooklyn as well.

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Measles is not just a rash. Symptoms of measles can also include high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.

Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children, as it can lead to pneumonia, brain damage, deafness, and death. Others who are at high risk for complications if they get the measles include fetuses, pregnant women who are not immune, as well as those who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed (when your body can't fight disease).

SEE ALSO:

• Measles Exposure In Rockland County, Newark Airport
• Rockland, Westchester Exposed To Measles By Another Visitor
• After Recent Measles Scare, Rockland Offers Residents Free Vaccine
• Seven Cases Of Measles Confirmed In Rockland County
• 11+ Cases Of Measles In Rockland County
• Now With 15 Cases of Measles, Rockland Adds Vaccine Clinics
• 4 More Suspected Measles Cases In Rockland County
• Measles Outbreak: 20 Cases; Unvaccinated Kids Must Stay Home
• Now With 40 Measles Cases, County Adds Restrictions, Clinics
• Measles Outbreak: 52 Cases, More Possible In Rockland County
• Measles Outbreak Worsens; More Restrictions In Rockland
  

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