3 New Measles Cases Confirmed By County Health Officials

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Three new measles cases have been reported this year in Rockland County.

Rockland County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Leahy announced on Wednesday that three new measles cases have been confirmed in Rockland. The county says that on Oct. 23, a Rockland County resident who had recently returned from traveling abroad was confirmed to have measles. As a result of that case, two other known contacts also became infected with measles.

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According to the Rockland County Department of Health, when measles enters a community with lower vaccination rates, it can spread quickly, leading to an outbreak, which is defined as three or more related cases.

The county says that it is committed to keeping residents safe, is taking proactive measures to protect public health, and thanks Rockland residents for their cooperation.

"We urge everyone to verify they are immune to measles," Dr. Leahy said. "The MMR vaccine is safe and effective in preventing disease and is the single best way to prevent a measles infection."

MMR vaccines are available at area health care providers, by calling a local federally qualified health center, such as Refuah Health or Sun River Health, or by calling the Rockland County Department of Health at 845-364-2497 or 845-364-2520.

Free MMR vaccines will be offered to residents six months and older from the health department's mobile van on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m., at Saint Ann's Catholic Church, located at 16 Jefferson Street in Nyack.

Measles is the most contagious disease in the world and can live in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room, according to health officials. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and around 90 percent of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus become infected, according to the CDC.

Symptoms usually appear 10 to 12 days after exposure, but may appear as early as seven days and as late as 21 days after exposure. They include a fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes), or a runny nose.

Severe illness and complications can occur in unvaccinated people. These include pneumonia, encephalitis and death. Children under the age of five, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people are at the most risk of serious complications.

People are considered immune to measles if they were born before 1957, have received two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, have had physician or provider-confirmed measles, or have a lab test confirming immunity.

Those unsure of their immunity are being urged by the health department to contact their healthcare provider. According to current guidelines, two doses of the MMR vaccine are required to be fully protected. The first dose of the MMR vaccine is typically given at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose is usually given at four to six years of age, although people may also be vaccinated later in life.

In New York, measles immunization is required for children enrolled in schools, daycare, and pre-kindergarten. Since August of 1990, college students have also been required to show immunity against measles.

To prevent the spread of measles, the health department asks anyone who may have been exposed and who has 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 from being exposed to illness.

Find more information at the Rockland County Department of Health, New York State Department of Health, and Vaccine.gov websites.