Westchester Health Official Responds To Rockland Measles Ban

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said Wednesday that children who have received the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine should feel free to visit Rockland County. Westchester County parents and school officials have had questions about how to handle planned school excursions to Rockland County following the issuance of an executive order on March 26 by Rockland County Executive Ed Day that bans unvaccinated children under age 18 from indoor public spaces.

Amler said parents of unvaccinated children should make it a priority for their child to receive the MMR vaccine, which covers measles, mumps and rubella. Children who are uninsured or underinsured, as well as college students, can get the vaccine at Westchester County’s Health Clinics in White Plains and Yonkers. Call 914-995-5800 for an appointment.

Amler said she strongly urges all parents who have resisted vaccinating their children against measles to reconsider vaccination.

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“Measles is highly contagious, and nine out of 10 people who are not immune and are exposed to measles will become infected," she said. "People can spread measles before they even know they are sick. People without immunity can catch measles just by being in a room for up to two hours after a person with measles has left. Measles can be a serious infection which can result in pneumonia, swelling of the brain, hearing loss and death.”

Measles is highly contagious, Amler said, and people who are not fully vaccinated with two doses of the measles vaccine are at the highest risk of infection. People are at risk for getting sick up to 21 days after being exposed. Measles is a viral disease that causes high fever, cold-like symptoms and a rash all over the body. Measles is spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. Measles infection can be serious and more severe in young infants, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed should contact their healthcare provider.

To learn more about measles and its prevention, visit the Health Department’s website.

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