Now With 15 Cases of Measles, Rockland Adds Vaccine Clinics
NEW CITY, NY — There are now 15 confirmed cases of measles in Rockland County, officials said, up from 11as of Wednesday. So the Health Department will hold another two measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine clinics.
From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Community Outreach Center, located at 21 Remsen Avenue, Suite 201, Monsey, NY 10952
From 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Darden Center, located at Dr. Berg Lane, Spring Valley, NY 10977
The Health Department will offer non-immune residents who are 6 months of age through age 60 one dose of MMR vaccine at no cost. The sites are accessible and have plenty of parking.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus 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 immuno-compromised or immuno-suppressed (when your body can't fight disease).
About one out of four people who get measles will be hospitalized.
Rockland's vaccine clinics are in response to the measles outbreak that began just last month. The first case of an international traveler with measles was in late September, and more cases due to separate international travelers, three from Rockland and one from abroad in early October, led to more cases of measles among non-immune residents, officials said.
County officials received authority from the state Health Department Oct. 18 to require unvaccinated students to keep away from certain schools. Rockland County Department of Health personnel are monitoring to ensure unvaccinated children are staying home.
"We 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.
Individuals are considered protected or immune to measles if they were born before 1957, have received two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, have had physician or provider-confirmed measles, or have a lab test confirming immunity. If you are unsure if you are immune to measles, contact your healthcare provider.
Individuals should receive two doses of MMR vaccine to be fully protected. 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.
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.
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, Rockland health officials advise individuals 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.
Among the locations of known measles exposure:
Bais Medrash of New Square, 11 Truman Ave, New Square
Sukkah adjacent to Avir Yakov Boys' School, 766 N. Main St, New Square
Refuah Health Center, 728 N. Main St, New Square
Congregation Bais Elazer, 26 Voyager Court, Monsey, NY
Mia's Reflexology, 191 South Main Street, New City, NY
Lifetime Gym, 10 Van Riper Road, Montvale, New Jersey
Wesley Kosher, 455 Route 306, Monsey, NY
Congregation Borov, 2 Parker Road, Monsey, NY
Costco, 50 Overlook Blvd., Nanuet, NY
Care 365, 1 Main Street, Monsey, NY
Westchester Medical Center Emergency Room, 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY
Residents can get more information about measles by visiting www.health.ny.gov/publications/2170.pdf 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.
SEE:
After Recent Measles Scare, Rockland Offers Residents Free Vaccine
Outbreak: Unvaccinated Kids Must Stay Home From Some Schools
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