Three Measles Cases Confirmed in Rockland   

Rockland County Department of Health Offering Free MMR Vaccines Saturday, Nov. 15th at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Nyack (Details Below) 

NEW CITY, NY, - Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) Commissioner Dr. Mary Leahy advises residents that Rockland has confirmed 3 new cases of the measles. On Thursday, October 23^rd, a Rockland resident who had recently returned from international travel was confirmed to have measles.  As a result of this case, two other known contacts also became infected with measles. When measles enters a community with lower vaccination rates, it can spread quickly, leading to outbreaks, which is defined as three or more related cases. 

Measles is considered the world’s most contagious disease and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. About 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become infected and one infected person can spread the virus to up to 18 others.

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

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccines are available at local healthcare providers, by calling a local federally qualified health center, such as Refuah Health or Sun River Health, or by contacting the RCDOH at 845-364-2497 or 845-364-2520.

All Rockland residents are asked to do the following:

• Verify you and your family are immune. Check your records, ask your doctor, or consider 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.

The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is committed to keeping residents safe and is taking proactive measures to protect public health. The RCDOH thanks residents for their cooperation.

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

•  Saint Ann’s Catholic Church Nyack, 16 Jefferson Street in Nyack, on Saturday, November 15^th, from 8:00 am to 10:30 am 

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 unvaccinated people. Children younger than 5, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons are at the highest risk of serious complications.

If you have symptoms consistent with measles or you have any symptoms and were exposed, contact your healthcare provider, a local clinic, or a local emergency department before seeking 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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