Brooklyn, NY – Health Department Advises New York City Doctors to be on the Lookout for Measles

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    Brooklyn, NY – The Health Department has identified 11 cases of measles in Brooklyn during the past two months, and is urging doctors to be vigilant and promptly report suspected cases to the agency. Nearly all the known cases have occurred in children who went unvaccinated, leaving them unprotected against the disease. Measles is not common in New York City, but it is highly contagious.

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    “Children should be vaccinated against measles at one year of age,” said Dr. Jane R. Zucker, the Health Department’s assistant commissioner for immunization. “Vaccinating eligible children will protect them and help protect infants who are too young to be vaccinated, by reducing their risk of exposure. Delaying a child’s vaccination increases the risk of contracting measles and infecting others.”

    Measles causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. As many as one in three children with measles develop complications such as diarrhea, ear infection or pneumonia. Some children have to be hospitalized, and some can even die. Younger children, and those with weakened immune systems, are the most likely to suffer severe illness.
    People who contract the measles virus can spread the infection for five days before developing a rash, and for four days after the rash sets in.

    Measles vaccination is required for admission to the city’s schools, colleges and daycare centers. The first measles vaccine dose should be given at the time of the child’s first birthday, with the second dose being administered at 4 to 6 years of age. In New York City, approximately 92% of children between the ages of 19 and 35 months have received a measles vaccine.

    About Measles

    Measles is an acute viral illness characterized by a fever (101 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit), cough, red eyes, runny nose and conjunctivitis. The illness typically lasts five to six days, with a rash that begins on the face and then moves down the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Complications from measles can include diarrhea and pneumonia, particularly in young children.

    To Protect Yourself and Your Family from Measles:

    * Babies should receive the first measles shot at 1 year of age.

    * Vaccinating older kids is the best way to protect children who are too young to get the shot.

    * If your child is over 1 year of age and has not had the measles shot, it is important to get the child vaccinated as soon as possible to prevent measles.

    * Two doses of measles vaccine are required for life-long protection.
    Children should get a second measles shot at 4 to 6 years of age.

    * Older children and adults who have not received two measles shots (or had the disease itself) may be at risk of infection.

    * Be sure that you and your family are fully vaccinated prior to international travel. Measles is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

    Ask you doctor about vaccinating your children. You can also call 311 to find out where your child can be vaccinated.

    For more information on Measles, please visit the Health Department’s web site


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    15 Comments
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    Dag
    Dag
    14 years ago

    We should not allow children who are not vaccinated into our schools or shuls.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    Dept of health says you have to have a certificate of vaccination for daycare — but it does not say you need it when registering for school i.e. kindergarten , grade 1 etc. should be mandatory!! Or no admittance to school or yeshiva!!

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    They are required to submit a medical form with all vaccinations to enter P1A, but I am not sure how vigilant the yeshivos are with their paperwork. They are also required for 3rd and 7th grades and any new admission.

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    I have issues with this because I have an autistic child and to me the evidence is not clear. My decision is for my personal use only.
    I fought a great battle with my daugters high school until they were looking into a refusal form and the elemantary school nurse discovered my daughter had already been vaccinated up to date.

    Shainy
    Shainy
    14 years ago

    In the recovery period after his stroke, the Lubavitcher Rebbe wanted to do a certain activity which the doctors were unhappy with. The doctor said, “Rebbe, if you do this activity, there is a 25% chance of a second stroke!” The Rebbe still hadn’t changed his mind, so the doctor repeated it. When the Rebbe still didn’t change his mind the doctor said, “Did you hear what I said?”
    The Rebbe answered, “Yes. You said that if I do this activity THERE IS A 75% CHANCE that I will not have a second stroke!”

    So, if I read the above clearly; if my child is otherwise healthy, has no autoimmune disorder, and is not around sick children, there is a SLIGHT chance they could contract the treatable disease of measles, of which there is a SLIGHT chance of further complications, of which there is a very SLIGHT chance of death r”l OR they will heal without difficulty and have lifelong immunity.
    Or, I could vaccinate my child, with all the risks involved, and STILL not be guaranteed protection against the illness r”l.

    Oh, and if all the kids in shul or school are vaccinated, why should you be scared to let in unvaccinated kids?? Perhaps you are afraid that vaccinated children can get the diseases they were vaccinated against…? You should be!

    Anonymous
    Anonymous
    14 years ago

    These kids are from Borough Park and Williamsburg!!