NEW YORK — There are 33 confirmed cases of measles in Rockland County and five other suspected cases under investigation, health officials announced on Sunday.
Measles was first detected in Rockland County earlier this month. Most of the original exposure happened in Monsey and New Square, Nanuet, New City and Montvale, New Jersey.
In response to the outbreak, roughly 2,000 people were vaccinated recently, many in free clinics run by the Rockland Department of Health.
Non-immunized children who attend schools with students who tested positive for measles are asked to stay home 21 days from the last known exposure.
Measles symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. It can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Measles infection in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby. Measles is easily spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.
A document with information on what to do if you’ve been exposed to measles is available here.
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 or (845) 364-8600.
