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There are measles outbreaks in parts of New York.
Most of the cases – 52 confirmed – are in Rockland County. There are 17 others confirmed in Brooklyn. There are no reported cases on Long Island.
The outbreaks, which started with visitors from Israel and residents who visited Israel, are primarily affecting the ultra-orthodox Jewish community.
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.
In Brooklyn, a total of 17 kids in Williamsburg and Borough Park have come down with the infectious virus after the first cases were reported on Oct. 19.
The disease spread in Brooklyn schools where children have not been vaccinated.
The single best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated. Individuals should receive two doses of MMR vaccine to be fully protected. If a person is unsure if they are immune they should contact their healthcare provider.
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.
Reporting by Lanning Taliaferro and Kathleen Culliton
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