Between October and February 19, there were 90 confirmed cases of measles in Brooklyn, a disease that has largely been eradicated from the US because of high vaccination rates.The Department of Health believes the initial outbreak was caused by a unvaccinated child who acquired the disease while in Israel.
The neighborhoods which have been affected are those with large Orthodox Jewish communities, such as Borough Park and Williamsburg, with around 40 confirmed measles cases in each.There have also been confirmed cases in Bensonhurst and Midwood/Marine Park.
Local Jewish newspapers posted a report similar to the press release with added information about the vaccine, including the figure that more than 4,400 identified individuals have been exposed to measles in known healthcare facilities in New York.
Measles is a highly contagious virus to anyone not vaccinated, and vaccines are the best way to prevent the disease.The vaccine is often given to a child on his/her first birthday and then a second dose before the child enters school, at around four to six years old.
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