Two sick pregnant women and 12 fined for violating the vaccination rule as the number of measles cases in New York increases: Gothamist

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042419measles.jpg "src =" http://gothamist.com/attachments/nyc_arts_john/042419measles.jpg "width =" 640 "height =" 480 "/> <br /> <i> A medical practice located in Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg, warns patients against entering, if they have fever, rashes or if they have been exposed to measles. (Gwynne Hogan / Gothamist)</i></div> <p> </span></p> <p>Measles strikes two pregnant women and twelve people who have broken the city's mandatory vaccination rule risk a $ 1,000 fine, while the measles outbreak continues, health officials said Wednesday.</p> <p>The total number of measles cases jumped to 390 in October, with 31 more cases last week. A total of 29 people were hospitalized, six of whom needed intensive care. Until now, no deaths have been associated with the epidemic.</p> <p>According to the Center for Disease Control, contracting measles during pregnancy can be extremely dangerous for the fetus and can lead to congenital anomalies such as deafness or blindness, intellectual disabilities or heart problems. </p> <p>"We reiterate our appeal to all New Yorkers, especially those in the affected areas – unless your health permits, get vaccinated," said Dr. Oxiris Barbot, Health Commissioner. The Ministry of Health is now urging pregnant women in Williamsburg and Borough Park to be screened for measles immunity. </p> <p>The current city order requires residents of four postal codes in Williamsburg and Bedford-Stuyvesant to be vaccinated against measles or to pay a fine. About 1,000 children have been vaccinated since the emergency declaration on 9 April, but about 14% – more than 3,000 children aged 1 to 5 – were still not vaccinated by 14 April. </p> <p>Rabbi Simcha Scholar, president of Chai Lifeline, a non-profit organization that supports Orthodox Jewish families with children with cancer and other serious health problems, said that it was a difficult time for the parents with whom he works, for whom exposure to measles could mean their child dies.</p> <p>"They are very worried, rightly so; they refrain from going anywhere in public, "he said. "It's a very difficult and isolated time. These people suffer tremendously and their level of anxiety is very high. "</p> <p>According to the Ministry of Health, eight people caught the virus abroad in Israel, the United Kingdom and Ukraine, and reported it to New York to pass on to other people . According to city officials, all those who became ill, with the exception of seven, identified themselves as Orthodox Jews.</p> <p>While the Passover festivities are in full swing, some community leaders have urged unvaccinated children to stay at home near synagogues. Dr. Aaron Glatt, Rabbi of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, recommended him for his Long Island Synagogue, and his advice was shared with religious leaders. </p> <p>"Please, vaccinate your children," he said. "If your children are not vaccinated, they pose a risk to other children, so do not bring them to the temple."</p> <p>According to the state health department, 231 additional measles infections were reported in New York State, including 199 in Rockland County, 20 in Orange County, 10 in Westchester County, and 2 in Sullivan County. The epidemic had a major impact on the ultra-orthodox Jewish community, including Michigan, where 43 cases were recorded, traced to a traveler who caught measles in Brooklyn and passed it on to d & # 39; others. </p> <p>Throughout the country, 626 measles cases were reported, of which about 64% were in New York State. This is the second largest number since measles eradication reported in 2000.</p> <p><i>Gwynne Hogan is an associate producer at WNYC. You can follow her on Twitter at <a href=@GwynneFitz.

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