Measles continues to spread at alarming rates in the Hudson Valley

The number of confirmed measles cases in several counties in the Hudson Valley continues to increase.

On Wednesday, the Orange County Health Department announced 15 confirmed cases, up from 12 in the latest report, adding that there has been a substantial increase in the number of cases in and around New York.

"Measles is extremely contagious and residents are reminded that getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent infection with the virus," said Dr. Irina Gelman, Orange County Health Commissioner. "As families and friends plan to come together for the next vacation, it is recommended to make sure everyone has been vaccinated."

Health officials in Rockland County announced Wednesday that the number of confirmed cases in that country had risen to 161, an increase of ten from a report released two weeks ago. Last week, anyone under the age of 18 who was not vaccinated against measles was banned from public places in Rockland County

Last month, Hudson Valley Target, a supermarket and other popular local businesses have recently been exposed to measles.

Since October, at least 211 cases of measles have been confirmed in the state of New York. Some 145 cases come from Orange and Rockland counties and 64 cases were found in Brooklyn.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is transmitted through direct contact with the nasal or throat secretions of infected persons. People first develop a fever, then often a cough, a runny nose and watery eyes, followed by a rash. A person is considered contagious four to four days after the appearance of the rash.

Symptoms include fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis, or runny nose. Symptoms usually appear 10 to 12 days after exposure, but they can appear as early as seven days and up to 21 days after exposure.

In October, it was reported a An international traveler with measles has traveled to several locations in Rockland and Westchester counties. Nanuet Costco and Westchester Medical Center were among the sites infected by measles.

Measles outbreak in Rockland County spread in Orange County in November. Health officials Orange County later warned that a taxi was exposed to measles.

Around Thanksgiving, buyers at The Palisades Mall was potentially exposed to measles.

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