Measles ‘State of Emergency’ Ends in Rockland New York
Rockland County, New York, health leaders announced ‘the end of the measles State of Emergency’ and the challenges still ahead combating the measles virus.
"122 days ago, I stood in this same room, with health officials, business leaders, law enforcement and many of you to declare a State of Emergency in Rockland County,” said Rockland County Executive Ed Day, in a press release published on July 25, 2019.
“On that day in March, we had 153 confirmed cases of measles. Today we have 283 cases.”
But the good news is ‘the State of Emergency in Rockland County has ended.’
In addition to steadily decreasing confirmed measles cases in Rockland County, MMR vaccinations numbers have climbed with 25,876 vaccinations given since October 2018.
A 52.5 percent increase since the original State of the Emergency declaration on March 26, 2019 (8,918 more MMR vaccinations since 3/26/19) shows how Rockland residents have stepped up to protect themselves and their neighbors.
"In the past three weeks alone, we have administered 191 MMR vaccinations during our clinic walk-in hours. I thank all of our residents who have been vaccinated during this outbreak and want to once again reiterate the importance of vaccination to those who are unsure," said Commissioner of Health, Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.
"Vaccines are safe. Vaccines are effective. Vaccines are the only way to prevent measles and many other dangerous diseases."
As of July 18, 2019, there were 1,148 individual cases of measles confirmed in 30 states. This is an increase of 25 measles cases from the previous week.
This is the greatest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 1992 and since measles was declared eliminated in 2000, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) will continue to issue Commissioner's Orders to those exposed to measles; requiring isolation as per public health requirements. If you are contacted by RCDOH as part of an investigation, you are required to cooperate fully.
The CDC says the measles virus can be prevented with MMR-II vaccine. The vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.
Children may also get Proquad, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). This vaccine is only licensed for use in children who are 12 months through 12 years of age.
Recent measles vaccine news
Rockland County continues to offer opportunities for residents to get vaccinated at the Department of Health, 2nd Floor Clinic, Building A, 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona, NY, on the following days and times in July and August 2019:
- Mondays and Tuesdays: 2 – 4 PM
- Wednesdays through Fridays: 9 – 11:30 AM
To schedule an evening appointment call 845-364-2534 during regular office hours.
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