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First Measles Case Confirmed In Westchester

Westchester health officials are working to alert the public about the first case of measles reported in the county, as Rockland County continues to struggle with a measles outbreak that has sickened 143 people.

A Monroe College student with measles visited the New Rochelle campus.

A Monroe College student with measles visited the New Rochelle campus.

Photo Credit: File

The county learned of the case on Friday, March 1, when the Westchester County Health Department was notified that a Monroe College student was diagnosed with measles. 

The student, who is a resident of New York City, had traveled to the college’s New Rochelle campus to attend a women's basketball game on Tuesday, Feb. 26,  night. Officials are not sure how many people attended the game.

He has since been isolated until he receives medical clearance. 

The department is now working closely with Monroe College to help notify those who may have been exposed and render treatment. they said.

The Rockland outbreak began with visitors to and from Israel in October where more than 2,600 people have reportedly been affected.

Since then the number had continued to grow weekly as unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children and adults were exposed, the department said.

The majority of the cases has mainly affected the Orthodox Jewish community in New Square, Spring Valley, and Monsey, health officials said.

In addition to the 143 Rockland cases, with another two suspected cases, there have been 121 cases in Brooklyn and Queens since the outbreak began.

Measles symptoms include a fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis (red watery eyes) or a runny nose. People are considered infectious from four days before to four days after the appearance of the rash. Symptoms usually appear 10-12 days after exposure but may appear as early as seven days and as late as 21 days after exposure.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are being offered by appointment for adults and children who are uninsured or under-insured and for college students at Westchester County clinics in White Plains and Yonkers. For an appointment, call 914-995-5800.

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