A recent surge in measles cases in New York and New Jersey has prompted concerns among residents, particularly those who are not vaccinated against the viral illness. As of early March, three people in each state were diagnosed with measles, all of whom had not been vaccinated.
Experts stress that vaccination is the best defense against measles, a highly contagious disease that can be deadly if left untreated. The measles vaccine also protects against mumps and rubella, and is typically administered to children in two doses.
In New York City, 97.7% of kindergarten students received the required childhood vaccinations, including the M.M.R. vaccine, last school year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, vaccination rates among younger children are lower, with about 81% of 2-year-olds having been immunized.
In New Jersey, vaccination rates have also declined, with only 93% of kindergarten students receiving the M.M.R. vaccine in 2023. This is a significant drop from previous years, partly due to an increase in religious exemptions to vaccine requirements for students.
The measles outbreak highlights the importance of community protection through vaccination. As Dr. Michelle Morse, acting commissioner of New York City’s health department, noted, “Vaccination not only protects the person who gets vaccinated, but also contributes to community protection by helping stop the spread of the disease and keeping infants and others who can’t be vaccinated safe.”
Residents are urged to check their vaccination status and take precautions against measles, which can cause a rash, fever, cough, and eye inflammation. The incubation period for measles can last up to three weeks, making it essential to monitor symptoms and report any potential exposure to healthcare providers.
While measles cases have been mostly low in New York City in recent years, the current outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/article/measles-new-york-new-jersey.html