New York orders measles vaccinations after outbreak
Those who have not received the MMR vaccine, or can otherwise not give evidence of immunity, such as having previously had measles, will face a fine of up to $1,000
New York — New York City mayor Bill de Blasio declared a public health emergency in parts of Brooklyn on Tuesday in response to a measles outbreak, requiring unvaccinated people living in the affected areas to get the vaccine or face fines. The city's largest measles outbreak since 1991 has mainly been confined to the orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn's Williamsburg, with 285 cases confirmed since October, De Blasio said at a news conference. "This is the epicentre of a measles outbreak that is very, very troubling and must be dealt with immediately," De Blasio said. The disease is easily spread and can be fatal, but there have been no confirmed deaths so far, officials said. The outbreak is part of a broader resurgence in the US, with 465 cases reported in 19 states so far in 2019, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Officials from New York City's department of health will check vaccination records of anyone who has been in contact with infected pati...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.