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The Rockland County Department of Health said there also another five suspected cases of measles they are currently monitoring.
The outbreak began with visitors to and from Israel in September 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 an effort to stop the spread of the illness, the Health Department and partners have provided more than 16,000 vaccinations. In New York State, measles immunization is required of children enrolled in schools, daycare, and pre-kindergarten. Since August 1990, college students have also been required to demonstrate immunity against measles.
The Department is also advising individuals who may have been exposed and who have 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 at these facilities from being exposed to the illness.
Residents who have been asked by a health care provider to "watch for measles", or who are otherwise ill – including flu-like symptoms, are advised to stay home and not go out in public.
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.
Free MMR vaccines are available by calling:
- The Rockland County Department of Health at 845-364-2497 or 845-364-2520 to schedule an appointment to get a free MMR vaccine at the Pomona health complex.
- The Rockland County Department of Health Spring Valley Family Planning Clinic is also providing MMR vaccines, by appointment to Family Planning patients. Family Planning Clinic patients can call 845-364-2531 to schedule an appointment.
For questions regarding measles, call the New York State Department of Health toll-free at 888-364-4837.
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