According to Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Leahy a case of measles has been confirmed in a Rockland County resident. The person recently returned to Rockland after traveling, where a potential exposure had occurred. Known contacts are being traced and evaluated for immunity. Prior to this case, there had been no reported measles in Rockland County since 2019.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of August 19, there were a total of 1,375 confirmed measles cases were reported by 42 jurisdictions in the U.S. The disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was named by Donald Trump to head the Department of Health and Human Services, has opposed vaccination and urged against getting vaccinated against measles.
Before Rockland’s case, the New York State Department of Health was reporting nine confirmed cases in New York City and seven in New York state outside of New York City for 16 total. There were four cases in Orange County, one in Suffolk County, one in Ontario County and one in Putnam. All but one of the cases in New York state outside of NYC were individuals under the age of five.
Rockland County reported that measles is the most contagious disease on earth and can live in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left the room. About 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus become infected. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms may include a fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes), or runny nose. 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. Severe illness and complications can occur in people who are unvaccinated. Most severe complications are pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.
“The single best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated. We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves, their families, and all residents of our county by making sure you and your family are up to date on your MMR vaccinations,” said Leahy.
Rockland said that individuals should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine to be fully protected. Typically, the first dose of the MMR vaccine should be given at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose should be given at four to six years of age. In New York state, measles immunization is required for children enrolled in schools, daycare, and pre-kindergarten. Since August 1990, college students have also been required to demonstrate immunity against measles.
“We are monitoring the situation closely to protect the community,” Leahy said.
