Rockland County health officials report that nine confirmed cases of measles have been found in Rockland since August. Five of those cases are considered “outbreak-related,” meaning the the measles virus was transmitted through the community.
One measles case was still considered “active,” or contagious, as of Nov. 25.
The county also reported possible measles exposures to the public at the following times and locations:
People who are at high risk from measles exposures, including anyone who is pregnant, immunocompromised or unvaccinated, or families with babies under 6 months, should call their health providers if they were present at those locations during those times.
Highly contagious measles a risk in Rockland
Measles is considered the most contagious disease on earth. The respiratory virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after a sick person has left an area. About 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become infected, health officials say.
Rockland’s low vaccination rate among babies, with just 62% of children age 2 and under have received MMR vaccines, makes the community particularly vulnerable. In some areas of the county, the vaccination rate is significantly lower. In 2018-2019, a large measles outbreak in New York sickened some 312 in Rockland County.
Amid family gatherings during the holiday season, Rockland health officials urged caution. If someone has symptoms consistent with measles — including fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes — contact a health provider before seeking care. This helps facilities prepare to prevent others from possible exposure to measles.
Vaccines available for measles in Rockland
Residents age 6 months and over can get free measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccines and flu shots at the Rockland County Department of Health mobile vaccination van at the following times and locations:
Free MMR vaccines are also available by calling Rockland Department of Health at 845-364-2497. Immunizations are given at Spring Valley and Pomona clinics.
MMR vaccines are available at local health care providers or by calling a local federally qualified health center, such as Refuah or Sun River Health Care.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Measles exposure alert in Rockland, cases climb to 9, MMR shots urged
Reporting by Nancy Cutler, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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