Measles is a virus that causes fever and a rash. It is highly contagious and anyone who is not vaccinated against the virus can get it at any age. Although measles is rare in the United States because of high vaccination rates, it is still common in other parts of the world. Measles is common in some countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa and is occasionally brought into the U.S. by unvaccinated travelers who return with measles infection.
As of April 18, 2019, there have been 359 confirmed cases of measles in Brooklyn and Queens since October. Most of these cases have involved members of the Orthodox Jewish community.
The initial child with measles was unvaccinated and acquired measles on a visit to Israel, where a large outbreak of the disease is occurring. Since then, there have been additional people from Brooklyn and Queens who were unvaccinated and acquired measles while in Israel. People who did not travel were also infected in Brooklyn or Rockland County.
On April 9, the Health Commissioner ordered every adult and child who lives, works or resides in ZIP codes 11205, 11206, 11211, and 11249 and has not received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to be vaccinated.
On April 17, the Board of Health voted unanimously to adopt a resolution supporting the Commissioner's order and the vaccination requirement.
People who demonstrate they are immune from measles or have a medical condition that prevents them from receiving the vaccine will not need to get vaccinated.
If the Health Department identifies a person with measles or an unvaccinated child exposed to measles in one of the ZIP codes, that individual or their parent or guardian could be fined $1,000.
