Rockland County Announces State Emergency Regarding Measles and Prohibits Unvaccinated Minors from Public Spaces

Rockland County has declared state of emergency and banned unvaccinated children against measles in public places after outbreak of a local outbreak since its 26th week – the most long since the eradication of the disease in the United States in 2000, according to officials in New York.

The ban came into effect Wednesday at midnight, with the exception of people under the age of 18 who were not vaccinated against measles who were in public places until they got it. the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. The ban expires in 30 days.

Those who can not be vaccinated for documented and confirmed medical reasons are exempt from the declaration.

"We believe that it is the first effort of this type at the national level and the circumstances we face clearly justify it," Ed Day told a press conference at the ############################################################################# Intention of the Rockland County Leaders. "Rockland will pave the way in service and safety for people here."

The outbreak began after seven unvaccinated travelers with measles entered the country in early October, said Day. On Tuesday, there were 153 confirmed cases.

Rockland County is struggling with a measles outbreak in recent months affecting residents of Spring Valley, New Square and Monsey. The officials had previously asked unvaccinated students not to go to school.

Day said, however, that county officials had encountered "pockets of resistance" from people reluctant to comply with the advice of the Ministry of Health, which played a role in the decision to ban.

Anyone found guilty of the offense could face up to six months in jail and / or a $ 500 fine, said Day. However, he added that the country was not trying to arrest people but rather to attract the public's attention.

Measles is a very contagious disease. Young children, immunocompromised and unimmunized pregnant women are at greatest risk of serious complications. Measles is transmitted by airborne particles, droplets and direct contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person.

Measles usually occurs in adults and children as an acute viral disease characterized by fever and a generalized rash. The rashes usually start on the face, down to the body and may include the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. The rash lasts for several days. Infected people are contagious four days before the appearance of the rash and until the fourth day after its appearance.

Rockland officials are encouraging everyone to become familiar with the MMR vaccine to protect them from future exposure to measles in Rockland.

Health officials in Rockland urged people with fever, rash or conjunctivitis (watery eyes) to stay at home, not to receive visitors, and not to go out in public.

To further prevent the spread of the disease, the Rockland Department of Health has stated that people with symptoms consistent with measles should contact their health care provider, local clinic or local emergency department before to show up in person to avoid exposing the disease to others.

The Rockland County Department of Health coordinates its response with the New York Department of Health. The Ministry of Health will also organize free MMR vaccination clinics Wednesday from 13h to 15h. One in Pomona and another in Spring Valley.