According to CDC, the outbreaks were linked to travelers who brought the measles back countries where large outbreaks are happening such as Israel, Ukraine and the Philippines.
New York City, Rockland County declared public health emergency
As of April 8, 2019, there have been 285 confirmed cases of measles in New York City particularly in Brooklyn and Queens.
The situation prompted New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Health Commissioner Oxiris Barbot, M.D to declare a public health emergency. They also ordered every child and adult in the neighborhood of Williamsburg and Brooklyn who have not received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to be vaccinated.
In a statement last week, de Blasio said, “There’s no question that vaccines are safe, effective and life-saving. I urge everyone, especially those in affected areas, to get their MMR vaccines to protect their children, families and communities.”
Those who will not comply with the mandatory vaccination or do not have evidence of immunity will pay a fine of $1,000.
