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The number of measles cases continues to increase in Rockland County. On Tuesday, 76 cases of measles were confirmed in the county, as well as eight suspected cases on which the Rockland County Health Department continues to investigate, according to a county spokesman.
On Monday, there were 75 confirmed cases and 11 suspects.
Authorities said that the entire county should be considered at risk. Even people previously considered immunized – those born before 1957 or who received two doses of measles vaccine – could contract the highly contagious disease.
Health authorities continue to tighten restrictions on schools in the geographic area where the epidemic is concentrated.
All schools are New Square and any school in Spring Valley or Monsey where the vaccination rate is less than 80% must keep under-vaccinated or unvaccinated students at home.
The restrictions, which affect 34 schools, will apply until 21 days after the confirmation of the last case of measles in the county – and officials acknowledge that it could take several more months.
The county also wants children to be vaccinated earlier than usual. Instead of waiting 12 months, any child aged 6 months or older or any adult who has not yet received his or her first MMR vaccine should do so now.
Symptoms of measles may also include high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes.
Measles can be dangerous, especially for infants and young children, as it can lead to pneumonia, brain damage, deafness and death.
People at high risk for measles-related complications include fetuses, unimmunized pregnant women, and people who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed (when your body can not fight disease).
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