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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — There are 72 cases of measles now confirmed in Rockland County as well as 7 suspected cases that the county Department of Health is continuing to investigate. That’s four more cases in the past two days.
SEE: Measles Outbreak: 13 More Cases In Four Days In Rockland County
Even residents born before 1957, who’ve always been considered immune, could catch measles in this outbreak.
Measles is a highly contagious disease. Young children, the immunocompromised, and non-immune pregnant women are at highest risk for severe complications. Measles is transmitted by airborne particles, droplets, and direct contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person.
Measles typically presents in adults and children as an acute viral illness characterized by fever and generalized rash. The rash usually starts on the face, proceeds down the body, and may include the palms and soles. The rash lasts several days. Infected individuals are contagious from four days before rash onset through the fourth day after rash appearance.
If you think you were exposed to measles, contact your health care provider before seeking care to prevent exposure to other patients. Tell the medical staff if you have fever and a rash and about any known exposures or international travel. You can prevent measles by making sure you and your family have received two doses of MMR vaccine.
Rockland health officials have tightened restrictions on schools in the geographic area where the outbreak is concentrated. All schools in New Square and any school in Spring Valley or Monsey where the immunization rate is lower than 80 percent, must keep un- or under-vaccinated students at home.
The restrictions, which affect 34 schools, will apply until 21 days after the last measles case is confirmed in the county — and officials acknowledge that that could be months away.
The county also wants children to be vaccinated earlier than usual.
Instead of waiting till 12 months, 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,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. “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.”
The outbreak in Rockland, which started with visitors from Israel and residents who visited Israel, is primarily affecting the ultra-orthodox Jewish community.
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