NYC Measles Outbreak: What You Need To Know
Posted on April 4, 2019 in Firm News
The measles epidemic is far from over. According to a report released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of confirmed measles cases in our country for the first three months of 2019 has already surpassed the entire number of cases in 2018. Between January to March of this year, at least 387 cases were reported across 15 states compared to the 372 reported nationwide at the end of last year. This outbreak is the second largest in U.S. history since the measles was practically eliminated back in 2000.
The Measles In New York
In New York City, Brooklyn and Queens have seen the highest concentrations of measles cases since the outbreak began. The New York City Department of Health has reported at least 259 cases of the measles within these two boroughs since October, with the most significant numbers in Williamsburg (202) and Borough Park (49). Health officials report most of these cases have been affecting members of the Orthodox Jewish communities, where MMR vaccine rates are low and residents frequently travel back and forth to Israel- a country also in the middle of a massive measles outbreak
Rockland County, a suburb north of NYC, has declared a state of emergency over the ongoing measles outbreak and is taking some shocking steps to reduce the spread of the virus. Not only have almost 6,000 unvaccinated children been pulled from public schools after an executive order was issued, but starting Tuesday, March 26, all non-vaccinated minors were barred from going to public places according to ABC News. The ban will last until 30-days after the declaration was activated on March 26 or until the unvaccinated individuals receive the MMR vaccination.
The current measles outbreak is causing widespread panic to the point where even religious exemptions are not being accepted as a valid reason for not consenting to vaccinations. To help spread more awareness on the dangers of measles, health and safety advocates across the country are continuing to educate the public about the virus and the health risks it poses for certain populations. It is the responsibility of every New Yorker to help reduce the spread of measles by staying educated on the virus and taking preventative steps whenever in public places.
What Causes Measles Outbreaks
Viruses like the measles can spread for a variety of different reasons. The CDC reports that outbreaks typically begin and spiral out of control for two main reasons:
- Travelers-An increase in travelers exposed to the measles from other countries who visit the U.S.
- Unvaccinated Communities– Large pockets of unvaccinated communities in the United States who are exposed to the virus and spread it quickly within their own community and the to surrounding areas.
Unfortunately, the measles virus is highly contagious. The CDC states that if one person has the measles, at least 90 percent of people who are close to that individual will become infected if they are not immune or protected. The measles virus lives in the nose and throat mucus. When someone with the measles coughs or sneezes, the virus can live airborne for approximately two hours. Like most viruses, people who are infected do not always know it. Someone who has the measles can be contagious four days before and four days after any signs or symptoms of the virus even appear, allowing the possibility for infecting hundreds of others during that time.
Signs and Complications of the Measles
The first signs of the measles may appear similar to a bad cold and can take one to two weeks to show. The CDC warns residents to watch out for these symptoms as first signs that you or someone you love could be infected:
- cough
- high fever
- conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes), and
- runny nose
Two to three days after these symptoms appear, you may also notice small white spots inside the mouth. Three to five days after the symptoms appear, you may see the spotted rash most commonly recognized as the measles. In addition to the rash, infected individuals could also experience a dangerous spike in fever.
The measles virus can lead to a number of other complications in addition to the symptoms indicating an infection: ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, swelling in the brain, miscarriage or pregnancy complications, and death are the most serious complications that can occur. There have also been cases of long-term health consequences, such as central nervous system complications, that may not appear until 10-years after someone has recovered from the measles.
Most At-Risk Groups
A significant number of Americans are protected against the measles virus, but there are still many populations who are unvaccinated and not by choice. These at-risk groups are most known for experiencing severe complications from the measles virus:
- Infants
- Children under age 5
- Pregnant women
- Adults over age 20
- Patients undergoing cancer treatments
- Patients with HIV infection
- Other patients with compromised immunity
When these high-risk groups become exposed to the measles, their immune systems less likely to fight the virus off with ease. While some unvaccinated individuals who are otherwise healthy may only experience mild symptoms from the measles, they still have the potential of spreading the virus to other individuals who are unable to receive protection and may suffer fatal results.
Measles Prevention
If you think you may have been exposed to the measles, do not run straight to your doctor or urgent care. Because there is no specific treatment for the measles virus, the best way to prevent it from spreading by containment and rest. Mayo Clinic recommends taking these steps if you believe you or a loved one has been exposed:
- Call your doctor: Give your doctor a call if you believe you or your child has been exposed to discuss a plan for an appointment. They may want you to come in at a special time to reduce the risk of exposing others to the virus.
- Rest and stay hydrated: Make sure you or your child gets plenty of rest when diagnosed with the measles to encourage your body to fight it off. Sip lots of fluids and stay hydrated while recovering.
- Stay home: If you have the active measles virus, staying home will prevent others around you from getting infected. Try not to sneeze and cough around others who could possibly also spread it to others.
- Track your symptoms: Keep a list of all the symptoms your child or loved one experiences to monitor symptom patterns and keep your doctor up to date.
- Get clear: Make sure get a confirmation from your doctor that you are no longer contagious before going anywhere public where at-risk populations could be present.
For more advice on coping with the measles, visit Mayo Clinic for information and treatment tips.
NYC Safety Advocates and Attorneys
At the law firm of Pazer, Epstein, Jaffe & Fein, we have been advocating for the health and safety of New York City residents for over 50 years. If you or a loved has sustained an unnecessary illness due to negligence, contact us using our convenient online form or feel free to phone us in New York at 212-227-1212, or in Huntington/Long Island at 631-864-2429.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Measles Cases and Outbreaks, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases (April 1, 2019) https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Complications of Measles, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases (April 1, 2019)
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/complications.html
Mayo Clinic, Measles, Mayo Clinic Staff (2019) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/measles/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374862
New York City Department of Health, Measles,NYC Health (April 3, 2019) https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/measles.page
Eyewitness News ABC 7,Rockland declares state of emergency over measles outbreak, bars unvaccinated from public places, (March 28, 2019) https://abc7ny.com/health/measles-outbreak-rockland-bars-unvaccinated-from-public-places/5218203/