Measles Outbreaks In High Numbers Causes Worry

New York is one of the cities across America that is having a high rate for measles and one county in the northern suburbs of the city has more than 150 infected since last autumn. Rockland County has declared a state of emergency which will last for 30 days which prohibits anyone unvaccinated for measles under the age of 18 from being in public spaces including stores, community centers, school, and restaurants.

This county is experiencing the longest measles outbreak since 2000, when measles was officially declared elimated from the United States. Those who violate these laws could be punishable with a misdemeanor charge and up to six months in jails.

Rockland County Executive, Ed Day, says that the county hopes this will bring attention to the epidemic caused by people who do not want to be vaccinated and resulting in getting others sick. The Orthodox Jewish community has the highest rate of measles cases in Rockland, that tends to have lower vaccination rates.

To stop the disease from spreading the best chance to stop the spreading of measles it to have a vaccination rate of 92 to 95 percent through the community, and the current rate is 72.9 percent for unvaccinated people under 18. The outbreak in this county started last October when seven unvaccinated travelers we’re diagnosed with measels after entering the country.

Day says that there are 153 cases as of now and reports that people were cooperative with health officials in the beginnning of the outbreak by vaccinating children, but this is no longer the case. Health inspectors calling members of the community are being ignored with people hanging up and telling them not to call back. They also will have people slam doors in their faces during home visits of infected individuals.