Lack Of Complete Vaccinations Combined With Exposure To Massive Outbreaks Overseas Allowing Disease To Spread To U.S. Communities.
Health officials in Rockland County announced Tuesday the number of people infected with measles has rised to 52 confirmed cases, with seven more suspected cases under investigation by the Department of Health.
Previously at schools that have dealt with confirmed cases, students who haven’t received the measles vaccination were ordered to stay home until at least early November.
The initial outbreak was centered in Hasidic communities, including one in NewSquare, N.Y. Banners and fliers throughout the community are urging people to receive the vaccination.
The vast majority of people are immune from measles after receiving the so-called “MMR vaccine,” but the disease can be highly contagious for the unvaccinated. Classic symptoms include red rash, fever, runny nose, red eyes that become sensitive to light, and coughing.
A quarter of victims wind up in the hospital.
Investigators believe travelers brought the disease from Ukraine, where there’s currently a massive outbreak. From there, they brought it to Israel and eventually New York.
Israel is grappling with one of its worst measles outbreak in decades, with over 1,200 cases reported since the beginning of 2018. The World Health Organization has reported tens of thousands of measles cases across Europe.
At that time, officials were warning about possible measles contagion from an unidentified traveler at some point between Oct. 4 and Oct. 11:
- Congregation Bais Elazer in Monsey, N.Y. on Oct. 4
- Mia’s Reflexology in New City, N.Y. on Oct. 4
- Lifetime Gym in Montvale, N.J. on Oct. 5
- Wesley Kosher in Monsey N.Y. on Oct. 5
- Congregation Borov in Monsey, N.Y. on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6
- Costco in Nanuet, N.Y. on Oct. 7
- Care 365 in Monsey, N.Y. on Oct. 8
- Westchester Medical Center’s Emergency Room in Valhalla, N.Y. on Oct. 11