Second Case of Measles Confirmed in Rockland County this Year

RCDOH Offering Free MMR Vaccines Today and Tomorrow

NEW CITY, NY, - Rockland County Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Leahy advises residents that another case of measles has been confirmed in a Rockland County resident. This new case is not connected to the previous measles case in August. After returning home from international travel, the resident visited a healthcare facility on Tuesday, October 21^st, and reported a rash on Wednesday, October 22^nd, which was confirmed to be measles on Thursday, October 23^rd. Known contacts are being traced and evaluated for immunity. The Rockland County Department of Health is committed to keeping residents safe, is taking proactive measures to protect public health, and thanks residents for their cooperation.

Measles is considered the most contagious disease and can live in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left the area. About 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become infected.

All Rockland residents are asked to do the following:

• Verify you and your family are immune. Check your records, ask your doctor, or go for a titer check, which can be done at a health clinic.
• If you are not immune or unsure about your immune status, it is best to seek MMR vaccination, unless you are pregnant or immunocompromised.

Free measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccines will be offered to residents six months and older using the Department’s mobile van in the parking lot at the following locations:

• Evergreen Kosher Market, 59 Route 59 in Monsey, on Friday, October 24^th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm 
• Village of Spring Valley Police Headquarters, 200 N. Main Street in Spring Valley, on Saturday, October 25^th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

In addition, MMR vaccines are available at local 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.

“The single best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated. We urge everyone to verify they are immune to measles. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective in preventing disease,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health.

Measles 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 10-12 days after exposure but may appear as early as 7 days, and as late as 21 days after exposure. Severe illness and complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, and death can occur in people who are unvaccinated. Children younger than 5, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons are at most risk of serious complications.

If you have symptoms consistent with measles or you have any symptoms and were exposed, contact your 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 illness.

For more information, visit the Rockland County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Health measles webpages. To get your vaccine, visit www.vaccine.gov.

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