Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Measles Outbreak Prompts State Of Emergency In Rockland County
By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 26, 2019
Modified Mar 26, 2019
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Shutterstock
By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 26, 2019
Modified Mar 26, 2019
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
With 153 reported measles cases since October, Rockland County has declared a state of emergency for the outbreak. Anyone under 18 years old who has not been vaccinated for measles will be banned from public places, like schools, houses of worship, shopping centers and restaurants, starting at midnight.
"This is a public health crisis," Rockland County Executive Ed Day said. So far no fatalities have been directly attributed to the measles outbreak, but Day scoffed at those who think that remaining unvaccinated is acceptable "to gain immunity," pointing out that dangers include "pneumonia, encephalitis, and premature birth."
The ban will be in effect for 30 days, or until the resident gets vaccinated. Day emphasized that "law enforcement will not be asking for vaccination records"—which he called "ridiculous"—but did say that if someone was found in violation, "their cases will be referred to the district attorney's office."
Overall, the measles outbreak in New York State has been the worst in recent years, and many of the cases seem to be concentrated in areas with high Orthodox Jewish populations. A hotline for ultra-Orthodox mothers, Akeres HaBayis, appears to be spreading misinformation about vaccines. Immunization rates at ultra-Orthodox schools in Brooklyn also fell before the outbreak.
The Journal News reports, "The outbreak has primarily affected members of the Orthodox Jewish community and exposure sites have mostly been in Monsey or Spring Valley, and anti-vaccination advocates last fall used [Akeres HaBayis] to tell parents to continue sending their children to school. But Rockland health officials caution that due to the small geographic size of the county, anyone who is unvaccinated is at risk for measles."
About 85% of the Rockland County measles cases have afflicted those 18 years old or younger, with nearly 39% being ages three or younger. And 82% of the confirmed measles cases have not had the MMR vaccine.
"Do the right thing," Day implored, noting when people will measles are in the public, they may be in contact with babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and people who are immunocompromised, all of whom may be extra vulnerable.
He added that some members of the community had slammed doors or hung up on health inspectors, and mentioned "pockets of resistance" to the vaccination efforts.
Some ultra-Orthodox nurses in Brooklyn are trying to fight "anti-vaccine propaganda".
Tagged
measles
measles outbreak
rockland county
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Woman found in shallow grave in Queens; her ex-boyfriend is in custody, NYPD says
The city medical examiner ruled Seraphina Pereira’s death a homicide on Monday.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Oct 27, 2026 at 8:29 a.m. ET
ICE used a warehouse in NJ. Locals are ‘frustrated’ by Sherrill’s response.
A councilmember and immigration activists criticized the governor for not doing more after ICE seemingly admitted to violating a court order.
By
Mike Hayes
News
ICE used a warehouse in NJ. Locals are ‘frustrated’ by Sherrill’s response.
A councilmember and immigration activists criticized the governor for not doing more after ICE seemingly admitted to violating a court order.
By
Mike Hayes
NY Gov. Hochul once resisted a data center pause. Now it’s central to her campaign.
By
Jon Campbell
Judge temporarily halts overnight construction at NYC’s Chinatown jail
By
Giulia Heyward
Pressure grows on Mamdani to reform admissions to NYC specialized high schools
By
Elizabeth Kim
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .