Number Of Measles Cases Rises In Rockland

Add one more case of measles to the number of confirmed cases of the disease in Rockland County, health officials announced Monday. There are 77 confirmed cases within the county as well as 14 suspected cases that the Rockland County Department of Health is continuing to investigate.

On Monday, Nov. 19 there were 75 confirmed cases and 11 suspected ones. On Tuesday, Nov. 20 there were 76 confirmed cases and eight suspected cases.

Authorities said the entire county should be considered at risk. Even people previously considered immune — that is, anyone born before 1957 or anyone who has receive two doses of measles vaccine — could catch the highly contagious disease.

Health officials continue 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 under-vaccinated or unvaccinated 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.

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, and those who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed (when your body can't fight disease).

SEE ALSO:

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• 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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