Seven Cases Of Measles Confirmed In Rockland County

NEW CITY, NY — Rockland County has seven total confirmed cases of measles in three different groups connected to travel to and from Israel, county health officials said. Of those cases, two are secondary, meaning they originated from exposure occurring locally in Rockland.

Rockland residents have been exposed to measles three times in the past month. The first case of an international traveler with measles was in late September, and more cases due to separate international travelers, three from Rockland and one from abroad in early October, are leading to more cases of measles among non-immune residents, officials said.

County health officials offered a free vaccine to residents who had been exposed on Oct. 11. Now they're offering two more chances for a free vaccine.

"As we see more cases there is the potential for further exposure," said Rockland County Commissioner of Health Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. "The Rockland County Department of Health continues to investigate these cases and will keep residents informed of any updates. I recommend that residents make sure they and their families are up-to-date on their measles vaccinations."

Since measles is still common in many countries and there are ongoing measles outbreaks overseas, travelers will continue to bring this disease into the United States, she said.

Measles is highly contagious, so anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting the disease.

Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children, as it can lead to pneumonia, brain damage, deafness, and death. About one out of four people who get measles will be hospitalized.

Others who are at high risk for complications if they get the measles include pregnant women who are not immune, as well as those who are immuno-compromised or immuno-suppressed (when your body can't fight disease).

People who are unvaccinated risk getting infected with measles and spreading it to others, and they may spread measles to people who cannot get vaccinated because they are too young or have specific health conditions.

Individuals are considered protected or immune to measles if:

• they were born before 1957

• have received two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine

• have had measles confirmed by a health care provider

• or have a lab test confirming immunity

If you are unsure if you are immune to measles, contact your healthcare provider. Individuals should receive two doses of MMR vaccine to be fully protected. Typically, the first dose of MMR vaccine should be given at 12-15 months of age and the second dose should be given at four to six years of age (age of school entry), although individuals may also be vaccinated later in life. In New York State, measles immunization is required of children enrolled in schools, daycare, and pre-kindergarten. Since August 1990, college students have also been required to demonstrate immunity against measles.

Individuals who are not immune to measles are at risk for developing measles if exposed to it. The single best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated. If you are not immune to measles, MMR vaccine or a medicine called immune globulin may help reduce your risk of developing measles. Check with your health care provider to see if you are up-to-date with your measles vaccination, if not, schedule an appointment to get vaccinated.

You can also attend the Rockland County Health Department's next set of free MMR vaccine clinics on:

• Thursday, October 18th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Community Outreach Center, located at 21 Remsen Avenue, Suite 201 in Monsey, NY
• Friday, October 19th from 9:30am to 11:30am at the Pascack Community Center, located at 87 New Clarkstown Rd., Nanuet NY

Call 845-364-2997 for more information about the MMR vaccine clinics. For information about measles, call the New York State Department of Health toll free Measles Information Line at (888) 364-4837.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people.

Symptoms include a fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis (red watery eyes) or runny nose. People are considered infectious from four days before to four days after the appearance of the rash. Symptoms usually appear 10-12 days after exposure but may appear as early as 7 days and as late as 21 days after exposure.

To prevent the spread of illness, the Department is advising individuals who have symptoms consistent with measles to call their health care provider, a local clinic, or a local emergency department before going for care. This will help to prevent others at these facilities from being exposed to the illness.

"We continue to work diligently to monitor the situation and protect the community from measles, and will continue to keep residents informed of any updates," said Dr. Ruppert.

More information about measles can be found here and by calling the New York State Department of Health toll free Measles Information Line at (888) 364-4837. The Rockland County Department of Health is closely coordinating its response with the New York State Department of Health to ensure the health and safety of all residents.

The Health Department is asking all health care providers to immediately report all cases of suspect measles to the Rockland County Department of Health Communicable Disease Program staff by calling (845) 364-2997 during normal business hours, or (845) 364-8600 after hours/weekends. Health Care Providers can call this number for additional information.

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