Measles Outbreak: 52 Cases, More Possible In Rockland County

NEW CITY, NY — There are 52 confirmed cases of measles in Rockland County as well as seven suspected cases that the county Department of Health is continuing to investigate, officials announced Tuesday.

It's only been a week since, with 40 confirmed cases of measles and 11 suspected cases under investigation, Rockland County health officials announced new restrictions and more vaccine clinics.

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. It can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain).

Measles infection in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth-weight or deaf baby.

Two children in Rockland were reported hospitalized with measles last week; one in intensive care.

Do not simply show up at the hospital or doctor's office if you believe you have been exposed because you could then expose others who may be at risk. Special arrangements can be made for evaluation while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection.

County officials have been holding free vaccine clinics and are beginning to offer immunizations for babies as young as 6 months to protect them. Young children get sicker.

Twenty-six schools have had restrictions put on attendance by unvaccinated or undervaccinated students.

Ten were affected by the first order. Another 16, including all schools within the village of New Square and any school in Spring Valley and Monsey with less than a 70 percent MMR vaccination rate (within the geographical area affected by the measles outbreak) will be required to keep un- or under-vaccinated students home until 21 days have passed since the last confirmed measles case in Rockland.

That could be months.

"We consider all of Rockland essentially exposed," said Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, Commissioner of the Rockland County Department of Health. "Call your doctor, check your immunization records."

The overall vaccination rate in Rockland is 90 percent, she said, which is high but lower than the state average. But it's much lower in certain sub-groups. For example, there are medical exemptions and the health department is talking to pediatricians about re-evaluating those.

Asked about religious exemptions, Dr. Ruppert said, "I've met with the rabbis. I have asked them directly if there's a religious reason why people should not be vaccinated and the answer is 'no.'"

Questions about if this order affects your child's school can be directed to the New York State Department of Health toll free Measles Information Line at (888) 364-4837.

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

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