Measles Outbreak Worsens; More Restrictions In Rockland

NEW CITY, NY — More students will be forced to stay home in Rockland County, as health officials tighten the restrictions on un- and under-vaccinated children. There are now 55 confirmed cases of measles in the county, and nine more suspected cases.

The Health Department is increasing school exclusions from the current 70 percent to 80 percent vaccination rate, County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert announced.

That means that all schools within the Village of New Square, and any school in Spring Valley and Monsey (the geographical area affected by the measles outbreak) where fewer than 80 percent of students are vaccinated must keep un- or under-vaccinated students home until 21 days have passed since the last confirmed measles case in Rockland.

That could be months.

This is the third and tightest restriction so far.

Nine more schools are affected by this order, bringing the total to 35.

None are public schools.

Questions about if this order affects your child’s school can be directed to the New York State Department of Health toll free Measles Information Line at (888) 364-4837.

Any child 6 months or older or any adult who has not received their first MMR vaccine yet should get their first MMR vaccine now.

“We continue to encourage everyone to be up-to-date with the MMR vaccine to help protect them in case of any future exposure to measles in Rockland. Measles is highly contagious, so anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting the disease, and they may spread measles to people who cannot get vaccinated because they are too young or have specific health conditions,” said Dr. Ruppert in the announcement.

You are considered protected or immune to measles if you have had physician or provider-confirmed measles or have a lab test confirming immunity.

In this outbreak, even those born before 1957, and those who have received two doses of measles, mumps, rubella vaccine, might get measles, though they have always been considered immune. It’s a very small chance, and it would lead to a much less severe case that would be much less likely to spread to others, Ruppert said.

The outbreak in Rockland, which started with visitors from Israel and residents who visited Israel, is primarily affecting the ultra-orthodox Jewish community.

It’s occurring in Hasidic communities in New Jersey and Brooklyn as well.

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).

If you are unsure if you are immune to measles, contact your healthcare provider.

Routinely, everyone four years and older needs two doses of MMR vaccine unless there are contraindications (medical reasons not to get the vaccine). Two doses of the MMR vaccine can offer 97 percent protection from the measles.

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. However, because there is a measles outbreak, the Department of Health is currently recommending that children 6 months through 11 months of age get an MMR vaccine now.

They will still have to get a vaccine at 12-15 months of age and again at 4-6 years of age, however getting an MMR vaccine now will help give them some protection against measles.

Also, children 1 through 3 years of age who have already received their first MMR vaccine should get a second MMR vaccine now, as long as 28 days have passed since the first MMR vaccine was given to them. This second MMR vaccine will count for school entry. 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.

There are currently no MMR clinics scheduled from the Rockland County Department of Health. To receive a dose of the MMR vaccine, visit your local health care provider.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people. Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children, as it can lead to pneumonia, brain damage, deafness, and death. Others who are at high risk for complications if they get the measles include pregnant women who are not immune, as well as those who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed (when your body can’t fight disease).

About one out of four people who get measles will be hospitalized. Two Rockland children have been hospitalized so far.

Symptoms include a fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis (red watery eyes) or runny nose. People are considered infectious from four days before to four days after the appearance of the rash. Symptoms usually appear 10-12 days after exposure but may appear as early as 7 days and as late as 21 days after exposure.

To prevent the spread of illness, the Department is advising anyone who may have been exposed and who have symptoms consistent with measles to contact their health care provider, a local clinic, or a local emergency department before going for care. This will help to prevent others at these facilities from being exposed to the illness.

Residents can get more information about measles by clicking here and by calling the New York State Department of Health toll free Measles Information Line at (888) 364-4837. The Rockland County Department of Health is closely coordinating our response with the New York State Department of Health to ensure the health and safety of all residents.

The Health Department is asking all health care providers to immediately report all cases of suspect measles to the Rockland County Department of Health Communicable Disease Program staff by calling (845) 364-2997 during normal business hours, or (845) 364-8600 after hours/weekends. Health Care Providers can call this number for additional information.

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