Measles outbreak: more cases, more clinics in Rockland

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – Health officials in Rockland County have added another free vaccination clinic to fight the measles outbreak. With 46 cases of measles confirmed and nine others suspected, officials consider that "all Rockland is essentially exposed".

During these clinics, the Department of Health and the Refuah Health Center will provide non-immune residents aged 6 months and older with one dose of MMR vaccine at no cost.

Usually children receive their first measles vaccine after 12 to 15 months, but because of the epidemic, health officials insist that babies receive their first MMR vaccine now, because children more young people are more likely to get sick.

Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, commissioner of the Rockland County Health Department, said at a press conference that two children had already been hospitalized as a result of this outbreak and one between they were in intensive care.

The next free measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization clinics are scheduled to:

• Sunday, November 4, from 1pm to 3pm, Mobile Van – Upper Lot Parking, located at 728 North Main Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977, hosted by Refuah Health Center
• Monday, November 5 from 3 to 6 pm at the Robert Yeager Health Center, Building A, First Floor, 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona, NY 10970
• Tuesday, November 6 from 1pm to 6pm at the Darden Center, located at Dr. Berg Lane, in Spring Valley, NY 10977

People will be checked before entering to make sure they are not sick.

In addition, ALL schools in New Square Village, as well as ANY school with a rate of MMR vaccination below 70% in Spring Valley and Monsey (the geographic area affected by the measles outbreak) will be held to keep students un-vaccinated or under-vaccinated. 21 days since the last confirmed case of measles in Rockland.

It could take months, officials said.

It's 16 schools with more than 1000 students.

This letter is added to the October 18 letter to schools attended by students with confirmed cases of measles and requiring unvaccinated or under-vaccinated students to stay at home.

Up to now, 2,100 people have been vaccinated in free clinics, officials said.

Questions regarding the consequences of this order on your child's school can be directed to the New York Department of Health, at no cost. Measles Information Line at (888) 364-4837.

"We continue to encourage everyone to become familiar with the MMR vaccine in order to protect them from future exposure to measles in Rockland." Measles is extremely contagious, so anyone not protected against measles risks contracting measles, the disease, and they can transmit measles to people who can not be vaccinated because they are too young or have specific health problems, "said Dr. Ruppert.

The epidemic began in September. Health officials said that international visitors and Rockland residents who had traveled abroad had caught and brought it.

A person is considered to be protected or immunized against measles if they have had measles confirmed by their doctor or provider or if they have had a laboratory test confirming their immunity. Those born before 1957 and those who received two doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) are also considered immunized. However, there is very little chance that in this outbreak, they still contract measles, but much less serious. case and much less likely to spread to others.

If you are not sure of being immunized against measles, contact your health care provider. In general, every person four years of age and older needs two doses of MMR vaccine, unless there are contraindications (medical reasons not to be vaccinated). Two doses of MMR vaccine can provide 97% protection against measles. As a general rule, the first dose of MMR vaccine should be given between 12 and 15 months and the second dose between four and six years (age of school entry), although individuals can also be vaccinated later in life.

However, due to a measles outbreak in Rockland County, the Ministry of Health is currently recommending that children aged 6 to 11 months get vaccinated right now. They will still have to be vaccinated at the age of 12-15 months and then at the age of 4 to 6 years. However, receiving a MMR vaccine now will help protect them against measles. Therefore, any child 6 months of age or older or any adult who has not yet received their first MMR vaccine should do so now.

In addition, children aged 1 to 3 who have already received their first MMR vaccine should now receive a second MMR vaccine, as it has been 28 days since the first MMR vaccine was given. This second MMR vaccine will count for entry to school. In the state of New York, measles immunization is mandatory for children enrolled in schools, daycares and kindergartens. Since August 1990, students are also required to demonstrate immunity against measles.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is transmitted through direct contact with the nasal or throat secretions of infected people. Measles can be dangerous, especially for infants and young children, as it can lead to pneumonia, brain damage, deafness and death. Non-immunized pregnant women, as well as immunocompromised or immunosuppressed people (when your body can not fight the disease) are also at risk of complications in case of measles. About one in four people who contract measles will be hospitalized.

Symptoms include fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis (watery eyes) or runny nose. People are considered infectious four to four days after the onset of the rash. Symptoms usually appear 10 to 12 days after exposure, but can appear as early as 7 days and up to 21 days after exposure.

To prevent the spread of the disease, the Department recommends that potentially exposed individuals with measles-compatible symptoms contact their health care provider, local clinic, or local emergency department. before go for the care. This will help prevent other people in these facilities from being exposed to the disease.

Residents can get more information about measles by visiting www.health.ny.gov/publications/2170.pdf and calling the New York Department of Health at the toll free number. . Measles Information Line at (888) 364-4837. The Rockland County Health Department is coordinating our response closely with the New York State Department of Health to ensure the health and safety of all residents.

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

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