Measles outbreak: 33 confirmed cases, 5 under investigation

The measles count is rising as the county works to contain the contagious virus with free vaccination clinics.

County officials said Sunday there are 33 confirmed cases of measles in the county and five more suspected cases are under investigation.

More than 2,000 people in the county have gotten the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine since the outbreak started at the end of September, according to health officials.

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Most of the original exposure happened in Monsey and New Square, according to the state Health Department, but there were additional locations in Nanuet, New City and Montvale, New Jersey.

Children and adults have caught the virus, which originated with travelers coming from Israel, which is also having a measles outbreak.

Non-immunized children who attend schools with students who tested positive for measles need to stay home 21 days from the last known exposure. For some students, that is Nov. 3, but there are others who will have to stay home even longer if they are not immunized, and those dates change as more cases are discovered.

Residents should get two doses of the vaccine, and children under 4 only need one but can safely get the second dose in case of an outbreak.

You are considered immune:

• If you were born before 1957.
• If you received two doses of the MMR vaccine.
• If a physician confirmed that you are immune.
• If a physician can confirm measles.

Everyone should check their immunization records or contact their health care providers if they are unsure, officials said. Anyone who suspects they have the measles should call before going in to minimize the risk of exposure to others.

Measles symptoms include fever, a cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a rash. People are infectious four days before and after the appearance of the rash and symptoms usually appear about 12 days after exposure. A non-immunized person can catch measles up to two hours after someone with the disease has left the room.

For more questions about measles, call the New York State Department of Health toll free at 888-364-4837.