Measles Still A Threat Here

The number of confirmed cases of the measles continued to rise last week in New York City, leading health officials to aggressively mandate vaccinations and fine those who refuse to participate in the program.

Four neighborhoods in Brooklyn have been targeted; they contain ultra orthodox Jewish schools, which citing religious beliefs, refused to comply with the city health department mandate that all students be vaccinated. Families object to having their children vaccinated. Parents filed a lawsuit to overrule the city’s decision on schools but it was thrown out of court on April 18.

New York City confirmed 44 cases more than a week earlier.

In Brooklyn, the city ramped up its effort to keep a lid on the outbreaks, closing four schools altogether and partially shuttering another. Summonses mandating $1000 fines have been issued to three individuals so far.

Measles is a virus that causes fever and a rash. According to the NYC Health department, “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.”

rmurphy@indyeastend.com