Measles Outbreak: Cases Still Rising In Rockland

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — As of Tuesday, there are 114 confirmed cases of measles in Rockland County plus five suspected cases that the Rockland County Department of Health is monitoring. That's up from 105 last week.

Rockland officials ask parents to have babies as young as six months old start the vaccine process (the usual start is at one year). They also warn that people born before 1957, who have always been considered immune, could get at least a mild case of measles if exposed in this outbreak.

"We consider all of Rockland potentially exposed," said Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, Commissioner of the Rockland County Department of Health.

So far six people with measles have been hospitalized in Rockland County.

This measles outbreak is connected to travel between the USA and Israel. There are bad measles outbreaks across the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Because measles is highly contagious — the virus is airborne and can live two hours after an infected person has left the area, and infected people are contagious four days before and after the rash appears — the way to prevent measles is vaccination and staying away from public places if you might be infected.

Health officials ask anyone who might be infected to call the doctor before going in for a check-up.

SEE ALSO:

• Measles Outbreak: 193 Cases And Counting In Brooklyn, Rockland, New Jersey
  
• Hudson Valley Measles | It Is Very Contagious | NY.gov‎
  

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