Measles outbreaks worsen in New York, push American cases to 839, according to the CDC

The measles outbreaks in New York continued to worsen last week, bringing the year – round total to 839 cases in 23 states – the highest number of infections since 1994, has announced Monday the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC confirmed 75 new cases of measles across the country last week. US health officials are attributing to an increasing number of parents who refuse to vaccinate their children the growing number of cases – after reporting that the disease was eliminated from the United States in 2000 -.

Of the new cases last week, 66 were reported in New York, 41 in New York and 25 in nearby Rockland County. Public health officials have been battling two epidemics since the fall. The city of New York threatens to impose $ 1,000 fines on people living in the most affected neighborhoods and refusing to vaccinate their children. Health officials in the city have already sent citations to 84 people for refusing to comply with the order.

Measles is highly contagious, but preventable with a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. More and more parents refuse to vaccinate their children, sometimes based on false information that vaccines are at the root of autism.

The disease spreads quickly and easily among people who are not immune, leaving communities with a high rate of unprotected people who are particularly vulnerable.

Measles starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat. This then causes a rash. Some people develop serious complications, such as pneumonia or swelling of the brain. Children under 5 and adults over 20 are more likely to have complications, making the disease particularly dangerous for them.

Although measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, the disease is still common in other countries. Unvaccinated persons can contract the disease while traveling and bring it back to the United States, where they can pass it on to other unvaccinated people.