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Measles Outbreak Continues To Spread
By
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Published Mar 11, 2014
Modified Mar 11, 2014
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By
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Published Mar 11, 2014
Modified Mar 11, 2014
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Cases of measles continue to spread, as an outbreak centered in upper Manhattan and The Bronx has now infected a total of 19 people, including nine children. Three new cases have been reported today, including some Brooklyn residents, but a Health Department spokesperson tells us they were infected in Manhattan, not Brooklyn.
NBC is reporting that officials have yet to locate the source of the outbreak, which first appeared in February. They are urging everyone in New York City who has not been vaccinated to get vaccinated. Three of the children infected were too young to have received the vaccination, while two others were not vaccinated by parental decision.
Last week, two people were infected when they were exposed to another infected individual in a hospital waiting room. "One can understand how that happened, but that's exactly why we're trying to minimize the opportunity for future exposure," Dr. Jane Zucker of the New York City Health Department told ABC News.
To that end, doctors are urging individuals who believe they are infected to call their doctor ahead of time before coming to the hospital, to avoid possibly infecting others. Doctors are also urging individuals who believe they have been vaccinated to track down documentation of their vaccination. Several infected adults believed they had been vaccinated in the past, but were unable to confirm it. A vaccination, doctors continue to reiterate, is quick and safe.
Complications from measles can include "pneumonia, miscarriage, brain inflammation, hospitalization and even death."
Tagged
brooklyn
disease
manhattan
measles
sickness
the bronx
vaccination
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Max Rivlin-Nadler has been a contributor to Gothamist since 2013. He has also reported for the New York Times, NPR, and The Intercept. His years-long investigation into New York City's arcane civil forfeiture laws led to a series of reforms which altered a practice that had been taking millions from poor communities for decades. Recently, he brought back a surfing habit from a few years on the west coast, and would love to see you all out in the Rockaways.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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