RFK Jr. argues with Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) over a measles outbreak in Samoa, denying that his history of vaccine skepticism was responsible for 83 deaths. “You cannot find a single Samoan who will say, ”I didn’t get a vaccine because of Bobby Kennedy.’”
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a significant increase in measles cases in the United States during the first quarter of 2024. According to the report, 338 measles cases have been reported since January 1, 2020, with 97 of those cases occurring between January 1 and March 28, 2024. As of April 11, the number of cases in 2024 has risen to 121. The CDC report emphasizes the importance of maintaining high levels of measles vaccine coverage to prevent the spread of the disease. Undervaccinated communities are urged to get immunized, as over 90% of people infected since 2020 were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. The CDC also recommended additional efforts to increase routine vaccination coverage, encourage vaccination before international travel, identify communities at risk for measles transmission, and rapidly investigate suspected measles cases. Children should receive their first dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and their second and final dose between four and six years of age. The first measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, and the disease was considered eliminated from the US in 2000 before making a resurgence in recent years due to low vaccination rates in some communities. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Measles outbreaks in the U.S. and abroad are raising health experts’ concern about the preventable, once-common childhood virus. One of the world’s most contagious diseases, measles can lead to potentially serious complications. The best defense, according to experts? Get vaccinated. Here’s what to know about the year — so far — in measles. How many measles cases has the U.S. seen this year? Nationwide, measles cases already are nearly double the total for all of last year. The U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention documented 113 cases as of April 5. There have been seven outbreaks and most of U.S. cases — 73% — are linked to those flare-ups. Still, the count is lower than some recent years: 2014 saw 667 cases and 2019 had 1,274. Why is this a big deal? The 2019 measles epidemic was the worst in almost three decades, and threatened the United States’ status as a country that has eliminated measles by stopping the continual spread of the measles virus. The CDC on Thursday released a report on recent measles case trends, noting that cases in the first three months of this year were 17 times higher than the average number seen in the first three months of the previous three years. While health officials seem to be doing a good job detecting and responding to outbreaks, “the rapid increase in the number of reported measles cases during the first quarter of 2024 represents a renewed threat to elimination,” the report’s authors said. Where is measles coming from? The disease is still common in many parts of the world, and measles reaches the U.S. through unvaccinated travelers. According to Thursday’s report, most of the recent importations involved unvaccinated Americans who got infected in the Middle East and Africa and brought measles back to the U.S. Where were this year’s U.S. measles outbreaks? Health officials confirmed measles cases in 17 states so far this year, including cases in New York City, Philadelphia and Chicago. More than half of this year’s cases come from the Chicago outbreak, where 61 people have contracted the virus as of Thursday, largely among people who lived in a migrant shelter. How does measles spread? Measles is highly contagious. It spreads when people who have it breathe, cough or sneeze and through contaminated surfaces. It also can linger in the air for two hours. Up to 9 out of 10 people who are susceptible will get the virus if exposed, according to the CDC. Measles used to be common among kids. How bad was it? Before a vaccine became available in 1963, there were some 3 million to 4 million cases per year, which meant nearly all American kids had it sometime during childhood, according to the CDC. Most recovered. But measles can be much more than an uncomfortable rash, said Susan Hassig, an infectious disease researcher at Tulane University. “I think that people need to remember that this is a preventable disease,” Hassig said. “It is a potentially dangerous disease for their children.” In the decade before the vaccine was available, 48,000 people were hospitalized per year. About 1,000 people developed dangerous brain inflammation from measles each year, and 400 to 500 died, according to the CDC. Is the measles vaccine safe? Where do vaccination rates stand? The measles, mumps
Seven people living at a Chicago shelter for migrants have tested positive for measles since last week, prompting the arrival of a team with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to guide city and state officials’ response to the infections, including vaccination efforts. Eight infections total have been reported in the city since Thursday, which the Chicago Department of Public Health said was the first instance of measles detected locally since 2019. The first case — an adult — was not a shelter resident. Measles is a contagious virus still common in many countries outside the U.S. Cases in the U.S. originate from international travelers — most often Americans who have not been vaccinated, according to the CDC. The city on Friday publicly reported the first case at the shelter housing around 1,900 people. The other cases at the former warehouse in the city’s Pilsen neighborhood quickly followed, including three confirmed Tuesday. The department said those infected include 4 children and 3 adults. Nearly 900 residents have received vaccines since Thursday night, officials said. The vaccine against measles is not recommended during pregnancy or for children younger than 1. “We haven’t seen cases of new arrivals coming with measles,” the city’s public health Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige said Wednesday. “Measles cases were acquired here. And so, we have been working very hard, taking our responsibility to safeguard the health of the new arrivals seriously.” The cluster within the city-run shelter highlighted Chicago’s multi-layered struggle to respond to the arrival of nearly 37,000 migrants since 2022 when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott began sending buses to so-called sanctuary cities. Chicago initially used police stations and airports as officials searched for other temporary shelters. On Tuesday, a city dashboard showed more than 11,000 people remain in city-run shelters. Providing medical care has been part of that effort; from vaccinations to treatment of conditions developed during exhausting journeys to reach the U.S. border with Mexico. Many migrants who land in Chicago come from Venezuela where a social, political and economic crisis has pushed millions into poverty. The situation along with doctor and drug shortages has affected the availability and affordability of routine care, as well as trust in medical institutions. Venezuela has reported one of the world’s lowest vaccination rates for children. Cook County officials opened a clinic to provide immediate care, vaccinations and an entryway into other public health services in 2022. Alex Normington, a spokesperson for Cook County Health, said providers offer all essential vaccinations there and more than 73,000 have been given against measles, influenza, COVID-19 and other viruses. Providers also rotate through every city shelter and have expanded their hours as the measles cases arose, Normington said. But volunteer organizations working with migrants have frequently criticized conditions inside the city’s shelters, particularly following the December death of a five-year-old boy who became ill while staying at the same shelter where the measles cases have been reported. They argue the cases are the result of the city, county, state and federal government falling short of supporting new arrivals’ health needs. “This is not the new arrivals’ fault — this is a public health emergency a long time in the making,” Annie Gomberg, a volunteer, said in a statement. “Everyone arriving here should be screened and vaccinated, just like we did
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting a stark increase in measles diagnoses in the United States in the first two months of 2024, with 41 cases confirmed, compared to 58 cases in all of 2023. This surge in measles cases has been attributed to a decline in vaccination rates for the third consecutive year. Sixteen states have reported cases, with Florida experiencing the largest outbreak, including six cases linked to an elementary school in Broward County. The CDC has declared the outbreak a public health emergency, citing a wider measles outbreak years in the making, exacerbated by COVID-19-related delays in vaccine administration. Over 61 million doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine were postponed or missed between 2020 and 2022, putting vulnerable populations at risk. Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, but if the outbreak continues for over a year, the country risks losing its elimination status. CDC Director John Vertefeuille emphasizes the urgent need for targeted efforts to prevent the spread, saying, “Measles cases anywhere pose a risk to all countries and communities where people are under-vaccinated. Urgent, targeted efforts are critical to prevent measles disease and deaths.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say measles immunization has dropped significantly since the coronavirus pandemic began, resulting in a record high of nearly 40 million children missing a vaccine dose last year. In a report issued Wednesday, the WHO and the CDC said millions of children were now susceptible to measles, among the world’s most contagious diseases. In 2021, officials said there were about 9 million measles infections and 128,000 deaths worldwide. The WHO and CDC said continued drops in vaccination, weak disease surveillance and delayed response plans due to COVID-19, in addition to ongoing outbreaks in more than 20 countries, mean that “measles is an imminent threat in every region of the world.” Scientists estimate that at least 95% of a population needs to be immunized to protect against epidemics; the WHO and the CDC reported that only about 81% of children receive their first dose of measles vaccine while 71% get their second dose, marking the lowest global coverage rates of the first measles dose since 2008. “The record number of children under-immunized and susceptible to measles shows the profound damage immunization systems have sustained during the COVID-19 pandemic,” CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a statement. Measles is mostly spread through direct contact or in the air and causes symptoms including fever, muscle pain and a skin rash on the face and upper neck. Most measles-related deaths are caused by complications including swelling of the brain and dehydration. The WHO says serious complications are most serious in children under five and adults over 30. More than 95% of measles deaths occur in developing countries, mostly in Africa and Asia. There is no specific treatment for measles, but the two-dose vaccine against it is about 97% effective in preventing severe illness and death. In July, the U.N. said 25 million children have missed out on routine immunizations against diseases including diphtheria, largely because the coronavirus disrupted routine health services or triggered vaccine misinformation. (AP)
Dr Anthony Fauci infuriated many in the Orthodox Jewish Community after comments he made on “CBS This Morning” regarding “Hasidic Jews who were not getting vaccinated” and caused a measles outbreak in the NYC area. Fauci was responding to a question about “how close are we to getting back to some sense of normalcy where there are fewer guidelines and we don’t think about the Coronavirus on a daily basis….” Fauci responded by saying that all depends on how many people get vaccinated to be able to reach heard immunity. “You have to get to a situation like with measles, like you were like 90 plus percent of people were vaccinated and really got that kind of what we call herd immunity. You know what that number is, because when it gets below that number, you start to see outbreaks, like we saw some time ago in the NYC area with Hasidic Jewish people who were not getting vaccinated.” Interestingly, those who are furious at Fauci’s comments include both vaxxers and anti-vaxxers. Why Fauci chose to single out Hasidic Jews, when there were other measles outbreaks, is a question only Fauci can answer. For example, there were measles outbreaks in the following states – most of which don’t have any “Hasidic Jews”: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas, Tennessee and Washington. In 2014, there were 667 cases in the U.S., including a large outbreak among Amish communities in Ohio. In 2015, there were 188 cases, including some linked to an outbreak that started at the Disneyland amusement park. And what about the measles outbreak in Clark County, Washington., in early 2019, which ultimately infected 71 people — mostly children younger than 10 who hadn’t received the measles vaccine. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The number of children sickened by measles in 2019 was the highest in 23 years, according to new data published by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a study published on Thursday, WHO and CDC said there were nearly 870,000 cases of measles last year, and the number of deaths — about 207,500 — increased by almost 50% since 2016. Officials blamed the record number of cases on a significant drop in vaccination; children must receive two doses of the measles vaccine to avoid being sickened by the highly contagious disease. “These data send a clear message that we are failing to protect children from measles in every region of the world,” said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement. To prevent measles outbreaks, WHO estimates about 95% of the population must be immunized. Vaccination coverage using two measles vaccines has stalled between about 70% and 85% globally. WHO and CDC warned that the global efforts to stop the coronavirus pandemic have also complicated measles vaccination campaigns, allowing the disease to spread further. The agencies said that, as of this month, more than 94 million people in 26 countries are at risk of missing their measles shots because of paused measles vaccination campaigns — and many of those countries are suffering ongoing epidemics. Of countries with delayed immunization services this year, only eight have restarted: Brazil, Central African Republic, Congo, Ethiopia, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines and Somalia. Measles mostly strikes children under five and can be fatal in those who are malnourished or have compromised immune systems. While more than 95% of deaths caused by measles occur in developing countries, the disease routinely causes large outbreaks across Europe every year. (AP)
The World Health Organization says cases of measles are continuing to spike globally, with multiple large outbreaks being reported across Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. In an update on Wednesday, the U.N. health agency said Congo has reported more than 250,000 suspected cases this year, including 5,110 deaths. In Europe, there have been more than 56,000 cases in Ukraine. Sizeable outbreaks have also been reported in Brazil, Bangladesh and elsewhere. WHO noted that two large epidemics in New York are over but small outbreaks elsewhere in the U.S. continue. As of Nov. 5, there were more than 440,200 measles cases worldwide reported to WHO. In 2018, there were about 350,000 cases. Measles is among the most infectious diseases and can be prevented with two doses of vaccine. (AP)
Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert advise residents that an international traveler who has been confirmed to have measles visited Congregation Khal Torath Viznitz in Monsey, potentially exposing others to measles from September 20 to September 21. Anyone who visited Congregation Khal Torath Viznitz at 25 Phyllis Terrace in Monsey during these times may have been exposed to measles: Friday, September 20, from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with a risk of exposure until 12:00 am. Saturday, September 21, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, with a risk of exposure until 3:00 pm. *****SIGN UP NOW —- GET YOUR NEWS IN RECORD TIME***** Make sure you are one of the more than 22,000 that signed up to YWN WhatsApp Status to receive news in live time. Click this link – or send a message to 1-888-4-YW-NEWS (888-499-6397) – to see our status posts***** “We continue to urge residents to check their immunization status and get vaccinated if they are unimmunized. By avoiding having pockets of susceptible individuals, we can prevent the measles from spreading further within our County. The MMR vaccination remains the only safe and effective way to prevent the measles,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses on earth; 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus become infected. You can catch measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been, up to 2 hours after that person is gone. You can catch measles from an infected person even before they have a measles rash. Symptoms include a fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis or runny nose. Symptoms usually appear 10-12 days after exposure but may appear as early as 7 days and as late as 21 days after exposure. Due to Rockland County’s small geographic size, exposure to the measles may occur anywhere in Rockland. “To be clear, this new case and exposure are not connected to our previous measles outbreak which ended last month. As the disease continues to spread around the world, it is not surprising to see yet another imported case here in Rockland. Utilizing the strategies developed during our outbreak the Department of Health will continue to investigate this case and monitor anyone who may have been exposed to the measles,” said County Executive Ed Day. Individuals are considered protected or immune to measles if they were born before 1957, have received two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, have had physician or provider-confirmed measles, or have a lab test confirming immunity. Individuals who are not immune to measles and were exposed are at risk for developing measles. If you were at this location during these dates, especially if you are in any of the following high-risk groups, contact your health care provider by phone right away (call before going for care): Pregnant A child under 6 months of age Immunocompromised or immunosuppressed (when your body can’t fight disease) Have not been vaccinated against the measles Were born before 1957 and are immunosuppressed Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccines are available for residents by calling the Rockland County Department of Health at 845-364-2497 or 845-364-2520. In addition, MMR vaccines are available at local health care providers or by calling a local federally qualified health center, such as Refuah or Hudson River Health Care. We
Officials have announced an end to the measles outbreak that infected 312 people since last October in Rockland County in New York City’s northern suburbs. The state Health Department says Tuesday that 42 days have passed with no new cases in Rockland. That’s the equivalent of two incubation periods and the timeframe when measles outbreaks are typically declared over. The nation’s worst measles epidemic in 27 years emerged a year ago, with most of the cases centered in Orthodox Jewish communities in Rockland and New York City. Health officials administered nearly 30,000 measles vaccinations in Rockland County as part of efforts to stop the outbreak. Over the summer, the state eliminated non-medical exemptions for measles vaccinations required for school children and tightened rules for granting medical exemptions. *****SIGN UP NOW —- GET YOUR NEWS IN RECORD TIME***** Make sure you are one of the more than 22,000 that signed up to YWN WhatsApp Status to receive news in live time. Click this link – or send a message to 1-888-4-YW-NEWS (888-499-6397) – to see our status posts***** (AP)
The nation’s worst measles epidemic in 27 years could be in its final stages as a week went by with no new reported cases. “To get to zero is tremendously encouraging,” said Jason Schwartz, a Yale University expert on vaccination policy. The current epidemic emerged about a year ago and took off earlier this year, with most of the cases reported in Orthodox Jewish communities in and around New York City. It started with travelers who had become infected overseas but spread quickly among unvaccinated people. In the spring, 70 or more new cases were being reported every week. Not long ago, the nation that saw that many measles cases in a whole year. So far this year, 1,241 cases have been confirmed — a number that didn’t rise last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday. The last time the CDC reported no new measles cases was 11 months ago. New York officials responded to the explosion of measles cases with a wave of measures, including education campaigns to counter misinformation about vaccine safety and fines for people who didn’t get vaccinated. The epidemic has threatened the Unites States’ nearly 2-decade-old status as a nation that has eliminated measles. The status could come to an end if the disease spreads among Americans for a year or more. Other countries, including Greece and the United Kingdom, recently lost their elimination status amid a global surge in the disease. Measles outbreaks are typically declared over when 42 days pass without a new infection. If no new cases crop up, the national outbreak would likely end on or about Sept. 30 — just before officials might have to decide on the U.S. elimination status. The loss of elimination status in the U.S. could take the steam out of measles vaccination campaigns in other countries, said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University vaccine expert. Health ministers around the world might say, “Why should we strive for elimination? We’ll just do the best we can to control measles, but we won’t go the extra several miles to get to zero,” Schaffner said. (AP)
Last winter a drastic increase in measles cases was documented both in Israel and the United States. According to information that was received by the Health Ministries in both Israel and the United States the disease was spread by those who contracted the disease during their stay in Rosh Hashanah in Uman visiting the gravesite of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. Additionally, two workers in the Oxford Medical clinic that was working in Uman last year, and this year will be run in partnership with United Hatzalah contracted measles while they were in Uman. After they returned to Israel it was discovered that they had contracted the disease and brought it back with them to Israel. It was also reported that the head of the Breslov Institutions in Tzefat (Safed) was hospitalized last year after he too contracted the disease while he was in Uman for Rosh Hashanah. Rabbi Koenig was hospitalized in Rambam Medical Center in Haifa and was in serious condition. Rabbi Yisrael Klein who heads the medical clinic in Uman also contracted the measles during his work at the clinic helping the thousands of people who had medical emergencies during the holiday last year, asked the public to vaccinate against the measles prior to their arrival in the city. As the area around Uman has also seen an outbreak of measles in recent months Israel’s Health Ministry has also asked the public to vaccinate against the measles before heading to Ukraine for the holiday. “People born in 1957 and onwards should have both measles vaccinations prior to their departure for Uman. Children over six months of age traveling abroad should receive at least one dose of the vaccine before traveling.” President and Founder of United Hatzalah Eli Beer also asked the public to vaccinate in order to avoid endangering others. “It is the protocol that all first responders involved in our organization must be fully vaccinated against the measles. However, with the thousands of visitors to the city of Uman over the holiday, I urge everyone to take upon themselves the responsibility of vaccinating before they come so as not to risk the lives of the other participants or their families when they return home. The outbreak of measles in New York and Israel, which both have been traced in part to people who spent the holiday in Uman in recent years has already cost the Jewish people dearly. It would be a tragedy that if someone who only wants to spend the holiday visiting the grave of Rebbe Nachman would be responsible for the avoidable death of innocent people.” *****SIGN UP NOW —- GET YOUR NEWS IN RECORD TIME***** Make sure you are one of the more than 22,000 that signed up to YWN WhatsApp Status to receive news in live time. Click this link – or send a message to 1-888-4-YW-NEWS (888-499-6397) – to see our status posts***** (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
A measles outbreak concentrated in Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods in New York City is over, meaning an emergency order mandating vaccines will be lifted, health officials said Tuesday. The officials said two incubation periods since the last reported cases have passed without any new infections. But city Health Commissioner Oxiris Barbot cautioned that there’s still a threat from “one of the most contagious diseases on the face of the earth,” and urged New Yorkers to still get their children immunized before the start of the new school year. “Staying up to date on vaccines is the best way for people to protect the health and safety of their friends, family and neighbors,” Barbot said. The city has seen 654 cases of measles – the most in 30 years – since an outbreak mostly concentrated in the Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods in Brooklyn began in October 2018, officials said. That prompted an emergency order mandating that nearly everyone in those neighborhoods get vaccinated or face possible fines. In June, state lawmakers revoked a religious exemption for mandatory school vaccinations amid the nation’s worst measles outbreak since 1992. More than 26,000 children in public and private schools and day care centers had previously gone unvaccinated for religious reasons, according to the state Health Department. New York became the fourth state, along with California, Mississippi and West Virginia, to eliminate religious and personal-belief exemptions for vaccines. All states allow medical exemptions. More than 1,200 cases of measles have been confirmed in 30 states this year with more than three-quarters of them linked to outbreaks in New York and New York City, the Centers for Disease Control reported. (AP)
This week, about 350 children in the Tosh Hasidic community north of Montreal, Canada, were vaccinated against measles, according to a report by CJ News on August 22, 2019. This vaccination program was related to 5 cases of measles confirmed in Boisbriand, Quebec, during the summer of 2019. The director of public health for the region, Dr. Eric Goyer, stated that “these were the first cases of measles in the region since 2011.” Isaac Weiss, a spokesperson for Kiryas Tosh, said “the immunization was offered to those whose medical records showed they were unvaccinated or not up to date, but was voluntary.” Mr. Weiss theorized that the outbreak was due to someone’s visit to New York – where there was a measles outbreak recently. *****PLEASE NOTE – YWN IS GIVING AWAY $5,000 CASH – JUST SIGN UP TO FOLLOW YWN WHATSAPP STATUS AND GET THE DETAILS!***** Make sure you are one of the more than 20,000 that signed up to YWN WhatsApp Status to receive news in live time. Click this link – or send a message to 1-888-4-YW-NEWS (888-499-6397) – to see our status posts***** He further stated that prior to the program, “90 to 95 percent of Tosh’s 500 families had their children vaccinated, and community leaders are urging all of its members to do so.” But, no one knows for sure how the measles infection spread. Tosh community leaders are informing members about the necessity of vaccinations and trying to dispel any fear about the risk of negative side effects. “Unvaccinated children will not be permitted to attend the community’s schools until the outbreak is deemed contained,” Weiss explained. Tosh is a chasidus originating in Nyirtass, Hungary, and is today based in Kiryas Tosh, outside of Boisbriand, a suburb of Montreal, Quebec. Tosher Chasidim have branches in the United States in Boro Park, Williamsburg, Kiryas Joel, and Monsey, and in London, England. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The 43-year-old El Al flight attendant who had contracted measles on a flight from New York to Israel in March, was unfortunately Niftar on Tuesday. The El Al flight attendant had been hospitalized in serious condition Kfar Sava since being infected. She was comatose and doctors fought over the months to save her life but on Tuesday, she was niftar in the hospital. When she arrived at Meir Hospital she was in an altered mental state and immediately admitted to an intensive care unit with the measles. The 43-year-old woman had encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, a well-known and potentially deadly complication of the measles virus. She was otherwise healthy before getting measles. The flight attendant arrived in Tel Aviv on flight 002 from JFK Airport in NYC on March 26, 2019. It appears there was someone on the flight who infected her. After it became known that she had been infected, Israel’s Health Ministry alerted all patients on that flight to report to a doctor if they need to be vaccinated and/if they have symptoms of measles. It is reported the flight attendant was partially vaccinated, only receiving the first of the two measles vaccinations. *****PLEASE NOTE: Make sure you are one of the more than 20,000 that signed up to YWN WhatsApp Status to receive news in live time. Click this link – or send a message to 1-888-4-YW-NEWS (888-499-6397) – to see our status posts***** After her illness became known, El Al immediately began to have all its employees vaccinated. A 10-year-old boy remains in a coma at Schneider Medical Center in Petah Tikva with suspected brain damage and is attached to a ventilator, after similarly contracting measles. In November, an 18-month-old child in Yerushalyim was R”L Niftar of the disease. A month later, an 82-year-old woman became the second fatality. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
The German government is proposing a measure to make measles vaccinations mandatory for children and employees of kindergartens and schools. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Cabinet approved the plan Wednesday, noting the number of measles infections has risen significantly in recent years. Lawmakers in parliament, where Merkel’s governing coalition holds a majority, are expected to approve the law. In the phased-in program beginning in March, parents of school-aged children, starting at kindergarten, will have to provide proof of vaccination. Non-compliance means children will be refused admittance to kindergarten and their parents possibly fined. Parents of older students will be fined up to 2,500 euros ($2,803). The German news agency dpa reports that while 543 cases of measles were registered in Germany last year, there have been more than 400 cases this year already. (AP)
There have been a few measles cases in Sullivan County the past few weeks, YWN has confirmed. One of them was a confirmed exposure at Nachlei Emunah Bungalow Colony on Joyland Road. The measles case was confirmed last week some time. Health inspectors were at the summer vacation spot on Sunday, making sure that everyone was properly vaccinated. The other exposures were all single locations, meaning only one person at each, and not an outbreak. The Sullivan County Health Department spoke to YWN earlier on Sunday and said “Sullivan County Public Health staff and County officials are collaborating with NYS Dept of Health investigators regarding a confirmed case of measles at a bungalow colony outside of Monticello, to determine the immunity status of residents there and how many people may have been exposed, in order to ensure everyone is protected. The individual who had measles returned home (outside Sullivan County) some time ago.” Additional information will be updated when it becomes available. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Israel’s Ministry of Health has issued a measles alert pertaining the Black Hebrews community located in Dimona, in southern Israel. The ministry explains that this community refuses to be vaccinated against measles, and this may endanger and infect other populations. The ministry wrote to the community leaders as well as sending message orally, warning the Dimona Municipality that it also tried putting pressure on the community of 2000 to get vaccinated, but to no avail. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
RefuahHealth is pleased to kick-off the summer season with a visit from New York State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, MD. The Commissioner spoke at a measles prevention forum in South Fallsburg on July 1st, and then answered questions from the community’s rabbinical leaders. The positive exchange of questions and answers highlighted measles prevention measures and the commitment of local and state officials in stemming the outbreak. Topics included identification of symptoms and prevention protocols. Attendees included 30 rabbinical leaders, New York State and Sullivan county officials, camp administrators, local Hatzolah and other community members. Rabbis and camp administrators expressed gratitude for Commissioner Zucker’s deep understanding and concern with the community’s wellbeing as well as his efforts to build a trusted relationship between local leaders and the NYS Department of Health. Commissioner Zucker recognized Refuah as an experienced leader in measles prevention and containment and highlighted the effective steps the organization is taking to keep patients safe during the summer months. The Commissioner toured Refuah’s South Fallsburg location and was specifically impressed by the site’s access control including a large entrance sign designed to prevent unnecessary exposure. RefuahHealth is grateful for the support of Dr. Zucker and looks forward to continued collaboration to strengthen the health of its patients and community. RefuahHealth continues to lead the way in containing the Rockland County measles outbreak. Since early October 2018, when Refuah treated the first diagnosed patient, the organization has made great strides in protecting it’s patients and the community from unnecessary exposure. These efforts include distributing over 4,000 MMRs, launching a community awareness campaign, and implementing clinical procedures to combat the highly contagious disease. During the summer months, Refuah will continue to provide the highest quality of care to all patients while minimizing exposure. Refuah is implementing proven strategies to protect individuals accessing care onsite or on one of Refuah’s mobile medical vans. Mobiles are staffed by experienced physicians well versed in measles prevention, and patients can expect the same high standard of care delivered in a safe environment. Refuah looks forward to spreading health this summer season. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The battle to contain the worst U.S. measles outbreak in 27 years has a new front: summer camp. Vaccinations have been made mandatory this summer for campers and staff in several counties north of New York City that annually fill up with kids from the Orthodox Jewish communities that have been hit hardest by measles. Ulster County took the extra step of mandating the measles vaccine or proof of immunity at all day camps and overnight camps, becoming the latest county in the area to issue immunization requirements. Rockland County announced a similar order this month, following mandates from Sullivan and Orange counties. “We have to make sure our t’s are crossed and our i’s are dotted in making sure all these vaccination records are in and have been fine-combed through to make sure everything is in compliance,” said Rabbi Hanoch Hecht, of Ulster County’s Camp Emunah, which hosts many girls from a Chabad community in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights. “In the past where we accepted religious exemptions for certain things,” said Hecht, who is getting his own blood checked for immunity, “now we cannot.” The state of New York requires summer camps to keep immunization records for all campers, but doesn’t bar children from attending if they haven’t gotten a measles shot. Children are required to get the measles vaccine to attend schools in New York, however, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation Thursday eliminating an exemption for kids whose parents object to vaccinations on religious grounds. [YWN Editorial: Anti Vaxxers Aren’t The Only Ones Who Lost Today] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that, as of June 1, more than 1,000 measles cases had been reported in the U.S. since the start of the year, up from fewer than 100 cases a year a decade ago. The bulk of those cases have been diagnosed in ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods in Brooklyn and suburban Rockland County. The CDC recommends everyone over a year old should get the vaccine, except for people who had the disease as children. Those who have had measles are immune. The vaccine, which became available in the 1960s, is considered safe and highly effective — paving the way for measles to be declared all but eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. But it has had a resurgence several times, including 667 cases in 2014. [Op-Ed: Unprecedented Chillul Hashem By Orthodox Jewish Anti-Vaxxers In Albany] Hecht and others stressed that vaccinations are widely accepted by most members of the Orthodox community, echoing rabbis in Brooklyn and Rockland County who say it is a relatively small group of parents influenced by anti-vaccination propaganda — not religious teachings — who have resisted inoculations. The Orthodox Union said it has previously required up-to-date vaccinations, including the MMR vaccine, for its 37 summer programs. “Most of the leaders and rabbis have taken the approach that vaccination is required,” Hecht said. Health officials in New York City have taken a tough approach, making measles vaccinations mandatory for everyone living in the Brooklyn neighborhood that is the epicenter of the outbreak, fining people for failing to get inoculated and closing 12 schools for failing to exclude staff and students who couldn’t document immunity. The city announced the two most recent closures Thursday. Now, as schools prepare to close down for the summer,
The Health Department announced today that it has closed two schools in Williamsburg for failing to comply with an Order of the Health Commissioner in response to the current measles outbreak. UTA of Williamsburg – Yeshiva Torah V’Yirah (590 Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg, NY 11249) was closed today for failing to provide sufficient proof of immunity for a child who was present at the school and for allowing unvaccinated children and staff on site. UTA 212 (212 Williamsburg Street, Williamsburg, NY 11211) was closed for allowing 35 students who were either unvaccinated or did not have the required number of doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to attend school. The schools will not be allowed to reopen until the Health Department reviews and approves a submitted corrective action plan that addresses the lapses in complying with the Commissioner’s Order. The Health Department had previously closed ten schools – including one of the programs closed today – for failing to comply with the Commissioner’s Order. This is the second time UTA of Williamsburg – Yeshiva Torah V’Yirah (590 Bedford Avenue) has been closed for violating the Commissioner’s Order. “The spread of measles may be slowing down but we are not,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “This is a message to all schools that have been ordered to exclude unvaccinated children — we will not stop our enforcement until the outbreak comes to an end. School staff must do their part to help us end this outbreak and keep New Yorkers safe. We also continue to urge everyone to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and their communities against measles.” Current Case Count To date, 588 cases of measles have been confirmed in New York City since the beginning of the outbreak last October. [Over 1000 cases confirmed nationwide, the highest count in 27 years.] 437 cases (74%) have occurred in the predominately Orthodox-Jewish communities in Williamsburg (ZIP codes 11205, 11206, 11211, 11249), which has been under an Emergency Order issued April 9 requiring those who live or work in these ZIP codes to have been vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR). A small number of cases have occurred outside of these neighborhoods but have, to date, not resulted in sustained transmission of measles. Vaccination Progress Since the April 9 Emergency Order, 51,124 MMR vaccinations have been administered to children 6 months to 18 years citywide, a 38% increase when compared to the same time period last year. Of those immunizations, 3,844 vaccines were administered to children in Williamsburg, a 99% increase in that neighborhood compared to the same time period last year. The Health Department credits this increase in part to partnerships with community organizations and community leaders within the Orthodox Jewish community, who have not only encouraged vaccination, but have worked with the Health Department to organize vaccination clinics and vaccine education and awareness events. READ MORE MEASLES COVERAGE: [AND SO IT BEGINS: Sullivan County Locals Verbally Attack Orthodox Jews Over Measles] [NYC Closes ANOTHER Satmar Yeshiva in Williamsburg Due To Measles; Violations Issued As Well] [TOTAL BLOWOUT: 50 Anti-Vaxxers Show Up To Flatbush Event, 1,300 Empty Chairs] [MOST ARE ORTHODOX JEWS: U.S. Measles Count Surpasses 1000; Highest Level in Over 25 Years] [William Handler Set To Make ANOTHER Chillul Hashem at Anti-Vaxxer Event in Flatbush] [Message To All Those Attending
Tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews will be making their way to their summer homes and camps in Upstate NY in the next 3 weeks, and some locals are becoming vocal about their concerns that there is a measles outbreak in the community. YWN has received multiple reports over the past few weeks of local residents in Sullivan County making nasty comments towards Orthodox Jews about vaccination and measles. YWN has learned of incidents in Fallsburg, Woodridge, Walmart in Monticello, and most recently (over Shavuos) on a road in Kiamesha / Monticello. In all the incidents reported to YWN, Jews were either yelled at or cursed at – thanks to very small anti-vaxxer population. One person told YWN they were warned not to come upstate for the summer. On a local Sullivan County Facebook page, which has a long history of allowing anti-semitic comment to flow freely, the attached image was posted last week. As could be expected, the hateful comments about Jews, taxes, food stamps, and driving minivans upstate followed the post. Last month YWN reported that the Sullivan County Legislature has approved measles vaccination requirements for summer camps. It mandates that camp health directors verify that all their campers and staffers have presented appropriate evidence of immunity to measles, or have presented proof of a valid medical exemption. Any violations could result in a $2,000 fine being levied upon the camp, per violation, per day. Meanwhile, the Sullivan County Health Department says there may have been measles exposure at multiple locations, including Yeshiva of South Fallsburg, Vizhnitz (Gibbers), and Garden Terrace. Recently, a local resident penned a letter to the YWN readership regarding her son who received a heart transplant five years ago and is immunosuppressed. She pleads with the anti-vaxxers to take her son into consideration. YWN has confirmed that dozens of bungalow colonies and developments have sent letters to their residents demanding proof of vaccination or they will not be allowed into the premises for the summer months. All of these locations made this decision following consultation with leading Rabbonim. To date, 588 cases of measles have been confirmed in New York City since the beginning of the outbreak last October. [Over 1000 cases confirmed nationwide, the highest count in 27 years.] 437 cases (74%) have occurred in the predominately Orthodox-Jewish communities in Williamsburg (ZIP codes 11205, 11206, 11211, 11249), which has been under an Emergency Order issued April 9 requiring those who live or work in these ZIP codes to have been vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR). A small number of cases have occurred outside of these neighborhoods but have, to date, not resulted in sustained transmission of measles. READ MORE MEASLES COVERAGE: [NYC Closes ANOTHER Satmar Yeshiva in Williamsburg Due To Measles; Violations Issued As Well] [TOTAL BLOWOUT: 50 Anti-Vaxxers Show Up To Flatbush Event, 1,300 Empty Chairs] [MOST ARE ORTHODOX JEWS: U.S. Measles Count Surpasses 1000; Highest Level in Over 25 Years] [William Handler Set To Make ANOTHER Chillul Hashem at Anti-Vaxxer Event in Flatbush] [Message To All Those Attending Anti-Vaxxer Event in Flatbush Tonight: DRESS NICELY] [SUMMER CAMP CRACKDOWN: Sullivan County Gets Tough on Measles; $2,000 Daily Fines For Violations] [NOW THIS: Measles at Yeshiva of South Fallsburg & Vishnitz in Kiamisha] [MAILBAG: A Family’s Nightmare of a Young Child With Measles] [MAJOR MONSEY MEASLES EXPOSURE ALERT:
The NYC Health Department announced Tuesday that it has closed another school in Williamsburg for failing to comply with an Order of the Health Commissioner in response to the current measles outbreak. Central UTA Boys Division (762 Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg, NY 11249) was closed for failing to exclude staff and students who did not have documentation of immunity. The school also received violations for not having an adequate staff to student ratio and for not providing Health Department inspectors with vaccination and attendance records in the time allotted. The school will not be allowed to reopen until the Health Department reviews and approves a submitted corrective action plan that addresses the lapses in complying with the Commissioner’s Order. The Health Department had previously closed nine schools—not including the program shut today—for failing to comply with the Commissioner’s Order. After submitting a corrective action plan, all nine have been authorized to reopen under Health Department monitoring. “School staff, parents, and health care providers need to continue playing their role in bringing this outbreak to an end” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “We’ve seen our weekly case counts decline, but the reality is, this outbreak is not over, and the Health Department will continue to use all the resources and strategies available to us. We urge anyone who can get vaccinated to do so.” Current Case Count To date, 588 cases of measles have been confirmed in New York City since the beginning of the outbreak last October. [Over 1000 cases confirmed nationwide, the highest count in 27 years.] 437 cases (74%) have occurred in the predominately Orthodox-Jewish communities in Williamsburg (ZIP codes 11205, 11206, 11211, 11249), which has been under an Emergency Order issued April 9 requiring those who live or work in these ZIP codes to have been vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR). A small number of cases have occurred outside of these neighborhoods but have, to date, not resulted in sustained transmission of measles. Vaccination Progress Since the April 9 Emergency Order, 51,124 MMR vaccinations have been administered to children 6 months to 18 years citywide, a 38% increase when compared to the same time period last year. Of those immunizations, 3,844 vaccines were administered to children in Williamsburg, a 99% increase in that neighborhood compared to the same time period last year. Individual Summonses In addition, 173 individuals have received summonses for being non-compliant with the Emergency Order since the City began issuing summonses last week. 68 of those have been cancelled as the individual presented proof of immunity or got vaccinated. Any person receiving the summons is entitled to a hearing, and if the hearing officer upholds the summons, a $1,000 penalty will be imposed. Failing to appear at the hearing or respond to the summons will result in a $2,000 fine. READ MORE MEASLES COVERAGE: [MOST ARE ORTHODOX JEWS: U.S. Measles Count Surpasses 1000; Highest Level in Over 25 Years] [SUMMER CAMP CRACKDOWN: Sullivan County Gets Tough on Measles; $2,000 Daily Fines For Violations] [NOW THIS: Measles at Yeshiva of South Fallsburg & Vishnitz in Kiamisha] [MAILBAG: A Family’s Nightmare of a Young Child With Measles] [MAJOR MONSEY MEASLES EXPOSURE ALERT: Satmar, Scheiners, Rockland Kosher, Vishnitz, Chofetz Chaim, Costco] [Williamsburg Satmar Kehilla Condemns Handler’s Remarks at Anti-Vax Event; Rebbe Says Everyone MUST Vaccinate] [MAILBAG:
Health officials say this year’s U.S. measles epidemic has surpassed 1,000 illnesses. It’s already the highest in 27 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the count Wednesday, saying 1,001 illnesses have been reported since the beginning of the year. Most are from outbreaks in New York in Orthodox Jewish communities. The nation last saw this many cases in 1992, when more than 2,200 were reported. Once common in the U.S., measles became rare after vaccination campaigns that started in the 1960s. A decade ago, there were fewer than 100 cases a year. Overall vaccination rates have remained fairly high, but outbreaks have been happening in communities where parents have refused recommended shots for their children. “What’s causing these outbreaks is lack of vaccination,” said Dr. Mark Roberts, chair of health policy and management at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. Illnesses have been reported in 26 states, but the vast majority are in New York City. The city’s outbreak, which began last October, is already the largest local measles outbreak in the U.S. in nearly 30 years. It started when some unvaccinated children visited Israel, where a measles outbreak is occurring, and came back to New York. More than 500 cases have been diagnosed in two Brooklyn neighborhoods – Williamsburg and Borough Park – and mainly among unvaccinated children in Orthodox Jewish communities. Forty-two have been hospitalized, including 12 treated in intensive care units. More than 25,000 doses of vaccine have been given to children and teenagers in those two neighborhoods since October. Some have been motivated by a city order issued in April that all children and adults who live in four Brooklyn ZIP codes be vaccinated or face fines up to $1,000. City officials say 123 people have received summonses for not complying with the order. The city health department has put 400 people to work on the outbreak, and forged new relationships with community organizations to make a better case for vaccinations. The officials believe it’s all paying off. New measles diagnoses dropped from 173 last month to 60 this month. “I’m confident that the work that we have put in place … put us on the right trajectory to bring this outbreak to an end soon,” said Dr. Oxiris Barbot, New York City’s health commissioner. Some health experts see the current outbreak as a sign that other vaccine-preventable illnesses could worsen. READ MORE MEASLES COVERAGE: [MEASLES OUTBREAK GROWS: There Are Now 550 Cases in NYC – Most Are in Williamsburg] [SUMMER CAMP CRACKDOWN: Sullivan County Gets Tough on Measles; $2,000 Daily Fines For Violations] [MAILBAG: A Family’s Nightmare of a Young Child With Measles] [MAJOR MONSEY MEASLES EXPOSURE ALERT: Satmar, Scheiners, Rockland Kosher, Vishnitz, Chofetz Chaim, Costco] [Williamsburg Satmar Kehilla Condemns Handler’s Remarks at Anti-Vax Event; Rebbe Says Everyone MUST Vaccinate] [MAILBAG: Sullivan County Resident Has Message To Jewish Anti-Vaxxers Heading Upstate This Summer] [MAILBAG: The Measles Crisis Will Reach Unheralded Proportions This Summer] [NYC Health Dept Closes ANOTHER Yeshiva; Measles Outbreak STILL Growing] [WATCH: CNN Interviews Hasidic Business Owner From Monsey About Measles; New Cases SOAR in Williamsburg] [UNPRECEDENTED: Over FIVE HUNDRED Doctors Serving Jewish Communities Across North America Say “VACCINATE”!] [Hatzolah in NYC Joins Fight Against The Measles Outbreak – GET VACCINATED NOW] [MEASLES SCARE: JetBlue Flight Quarantined
The Sullivan County Public Health Department is notifying the public of possible exposures to individuals who recently tested positive for measles. Sullivan County now has five (5) confirmed cases since March and two additional suspect cases. Residents may have been exposed if they were at the following location on May 16, 2019 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., or between May 25-June 2, 2019: Gibbers-Viznitz (168 Yeshiva Drive – Kiamesha Lake, NY 12751) Residents may have been exposed if they were at the following location between May 14-22, 2019, or between May 25-June 3, 2019: (An investigation is ongoing at this location to determine possible exposures): Yeshiva Gedolah Zichron Moshe (84 Laurel Park Road 0 South Fallsburg, NY 12779) Residents may have been exposed if they were at the following location on May 18, 2019 between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.: Garden Terrace (221 Laurel Ave – Fallsburg, NY 12733) Two confirmed contagious individuals have been quarantined via a mandatory isolation order issued by the Public Health Director. Public Health Services staff continue to closely monitor the situation. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Senator Felder is sponsoring two no-cost Measles Titers Immunity Tests as part of an ongoing effort to stop the spread of measles. Since October, there have been 550 confirmed cases of measles in New York City. While the outbreak has been mostly concentrated in certain areas, the summer brings a new challenge. In partnership with Premium Health in Boro Park and New York Community Hospital in Flatbush, Senator Felder is calling on the community to take this opportunity to check their immunity to measles before the summer travel season. Flatbush: Wednesday, June 5, 10 AM – 1 PM Boro Park: Thursday, June 13, 10 AM – 1 PM Appointments required, please call 718-253-2015 “Measles is highly contagious. Once exposed, you could spread the virus days before showing signs of having contracted it. The Department of Health recommends confirming your immunity level with a titers test, so that people with diminished immunity can protect themselves with a vaccination. We are happy to offer you this simple blood test, at no cost, to confirm your immunity. Stay healthy, and help stop the spread of measles,” urges Senator Felder. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The city’s ongoing measles outbreak has spread from Brooklyn into other boroughs, with cases now confirmed in Manhattan and Staten Island, the city’s Health Department announced Wednesday. Since October, the city has seen 550 confirmed cases of the virus, with the majority being documented in Williamsburg, according to the Health Department. The agency, however, said they now have confirmation of one case in Manhattan and seven cases in Staten Island. Of these cases identified citywide, seven are Staten Island residents and another lives in Manhattan. Six of the Staten Island cases date back to March with an exposure in Rockland County, New York where there is ongoing measles activity. These cases were only reported recently by a health care provider because these individuals came to care after their illnesses resolved. The one remaining case in Staten Island is linked to Sunset Park, Brooklyn where there is ongoing measles activity. In addition, a Manhattan resident has been diagnosed with measles, which is also due to an exposure in Sunset Park. There are no known transmissions linked to these eight cases. The majority of cases (77%) have occurred in the Williamsburg neighborhood (ZIP codes 11205, 11206, 11211, 11249), which has been under an Emergency Order since April 9, requiring people who reside or work in these ZIP codes to be vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. There have been 42 measles-related hospitalizations and 12 admissions to intensive care units due to measles complications since the beginning of the outbreak in October. “The recently identified cases are linked to exposures in neighborhoods with known measles activity,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “These cases prove the urgent need to get vaccinated, especially if you spend time in areas that are experiencing an outbreak. This message cannot be overstated — if you live, work or attend school in these sections of the city, get vaccinated if you are able. We thank the thousands of people throughout the city who have gotten vaccinated. Each one of you has taken a critical step to protect your family, your neighbors and yourselves.” The six of the individuals from Staten Island were exposed in Rockland County.. Exposures have been identified in Sunset Park, Brooklyn and, as of May 28, 2019, there have been 12 confirmed cases in the neighborhood. Last week, the Health Department added Sunset Park to the list of areas in NYC with measles activity that have expanded vaccination recommendations for people who live, work, or spend time in this area of the City. Recommendations include two doses of MMR for adults without documentation of vaccination, an extra, early dose of MMR for infants ages 6 to 11 months and an early dose of MMR for children ages 1 to 4 years following the routine dose at 12 months of age, as long as 28 days have passed since the last dose. The Health Department continues enhanced city-wide surveillance for measles to identify and address any measles transmission. READ MORE MEASLES COVERAGE: [SUMMER CAMP CRACKDOWN: Sullivan County Gets Tough on Measles; $2,000 Daily Fines For Violations] [MAILBAG: A Family’s Nightmare of a Young Child With Measles] [MAJOR MONSEY MEASLES EXPOSURE ALERT: Satmar, Scheiners, Rockland Kosher, Vishnitz, Chofetz Chaim, Costco] [Williamsburg Satmar Kehilla Condemns Handler’s Remarks at Anti-Vax Event; Rebbe Says Everyone MUST Vaccinate] [MAILBAG: Sullivan County
The Sullivan County Legislature today unanimously approved Public Health Order No. 1 of 2019, which empowers the County’s Department of Public Health Services to require full measles immunization for staff members and campers at summer camps in the County. The Order, was created in the wake of the downstate measles outbreak and applies to all camps regulated by the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH). “We are taking a proactive approach, even though we’ve only had two measles cases thus far,” said District 2 Legislator Nadia Rajsz, chair of the Legislature’s Health & Family Services Committee. “This is another step of many we’ve taken to ensure our residents and visitors enjoy the summer while staying protected from this contagious disease.” “This Order, effective through September 15, mandates that camp health directors verify all their campers and staffers have presented appropriate evidence of immunity to measles, or have presented proof of a valid medical exemption,” explained Public Health Director Nancy McGraw. “It also requires the camp operator to screen campers and staff members for measles upon arrival to camp, and to find out from parents/guardians of campers whether each camper has had any possible exposure to measles within the last three weeks.” Should these requirements not be met, the camp operator must not permit the camper or staffer to attend camp. And if a measles case presents itself during the course of the camp’s season, the operator or health director must immediately inform Public Health Services. Records must be maintained, as well, and both Public Health Services and NYSDOH have the authority to review that documentation upon demand. Should violations be found, a $2,000 fine per violation per day can be levied upon the camp. “In close collaboration with the State, we are taking every possible action to avoid a measles outbreak in Sullivan County in the coming months,” noted Health & Family Services Commissioner Joe Todora. “This is the latest in a long line of measures we’ve taken, and we’ve found camp leaders eager to comply. This Order allows us to responsibly ensure enforcement, so as to minimize the further spread of measles.” READ MORE MEASLES COVERAGE: [MAILBAG: A Family’s Nightmare of a Young Child With Measles] [MAJOR MONSEY MEASLES EXPOSURE ALERT: Satmar, Scheiners, Rockland Kosher, Vishnitz, Chofetz Chaim, Costco] [Williamsburg Satmar Kehilla Condemns Handler’s Remarks at Anti-Vax Event; Rebbe Says Everyone MUST Vaccinate] [MAILBAG: Sullivan County Resident Has Message To Jewish Anti-Vaxxers Heading Upstate This Summer] [MAILBAG: The Measles Crisis Will Reach Unheralded Proportions This Summer] [NYC Health Dept Closes ANOTHER Yeshiva; Measles Outbreak STILL Growing] [WATCH: CNN Interviews Hasidic Business Owner From Monsey About Measles; New Cases SOAR in Williamsburg] [UNPRECEDENTED: Over FIVE HUNDRED Doctors Serving Jewish Communities Across North America Say “VACCINATE”!] [Hatzolah in NYC Joins Fight Against The Measles Outbreak – GET VACCINATED NOW] [MEASLES SCARE: JetBlue Flight Quarantined at JFK Airport Over Suspected Measles-Infected Orthodox Jewish Passengers] [HISTORIC: Satmar Paper “Der Yid” Publishes Editorial in ENGLISH Blasting Anti-Vaxxers] [Israel: 10-Year-Old Boy Suffers Permanent Brain Damage After Getting Measles] [WATCH: Trump Urges Vaccinations To Prevent Spread Of Measles] [US Measles Outbreak is Largest Since Disease Was Declared ‘Eliminated’; 2 Pregnant Women Sickened in Williamsburg] [MOST ARE ORTHODOX JEWS: US Measles Cases Top 700, Leading to Extraordinary Measures Around The Country] [HATE: NYC Bus Driver Makes Anti-Semitic ‘Measles’
With the continued measles outbreak in Rockland, County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert remind residents of the importance of getting vaccinated. As of May 24, there are 247 confirmed reported cases of measles in the county since the outbreak began in October 2018. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses on earth; 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus become infected. You can catch measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been, up to 2 hours after that person is gone. You can catch measles from an infected person even before they have a measles rash. Due to Rockland County’s small geographic size, exposure to the measles may occur anywhere in Rockland. Anyone who visited the following locations or used the following taxis at these times may have been exposed to measles: • Satmar of Monsey, located at 1 Monsey Boulevard, Monsey, NY 10952, from Monday, May 6 through Tuesday, May 14 with an ongoing risk of exposure. • Congregation Yetev Lev of Satmar, located at 13 Monsey Boulevard, Monsey, NY 10952, from Monday, May 6 through Tuesday, May 14 with an ongoing risk of exposure. • Rockland Kosher Supermarket, located in the Shoppers Haven Mall, 27 Orchard Street, Monsey, NY 10952, on Monday, May 13 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a risk of exposure until 9:00 pm. • Congregation Khal Torath Chaim Viznitz, located at 25 Phyllis Terrace, Monsey, NY 10952, from Sunday, May 12 until Sunday, May 19 with an ongoing risk of exposure. • Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim, located at 20 Forshay Road, Monsey, NY 10952, on Wednesday, May 15, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with a risk of exposure until 7:00 pm. • Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim, located at 20 Forshay Road, Monsey, NY 10952, on Thursday, May 16, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with a risk of exposure until 7:00 pm. • Synagogue Yeshiva Chovetz Chaim, located at 51 Kiryas Radin Drive, Spring Valley, NY 10977, on Wednesday, May 15, from 9:45 am to 1:00 pm, with a risk of exposure until 3:00 pm. • Synagogue Yeshiva Chovetz Chaim, located at 51 Kiryas Radin Drive, Spring Valley, NY 10977, on Thursday, May 16, from 9:45 am to 1:00 pm, with a risk of exposure until 3:00 pm. • Maple Medex Pharmacy inside Evergreen Kosher Market, located at 59 Route 59, Monsey, NY 10952, on Thursday, May 16, from 12:40 pm to 3:00 pm, with a risk of exposure until 5:00 pm. • Costco, located at 50 Overlook Blvd, Nanuet, NY 10954, on Thursday, May 16 from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm, with a risk of exposure until 11:00 pm. Taxis: • La Familia Taxi on Monday, May 13, roundtrip to Rockland Kosher Supermarket, from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm with a risk of exposure until 6:00 pm, and from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm with a risk of exposure until 9:30 pm. • La Familia Taxi on Sunday, May 19, to Refuah Health Center located at 728 N. Main Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977, from 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm, with a risk of exposure until 7:00 pm. These times reflect the period that the infected individuals were in these areas and a two-hour period after they
The last day of Yom Tov should have been a wonderful ending to a beautiful Pesach in Israel. Instead, it turned into a nightmare no parent should have to experience. Yehudah Yosef, at the time 11.5 months, had been feverish and coughing for a few days. On Shabbos morning, he woke up with a scorching fever; pimples encased his tongue, and he had difficulty breathing. We rushed him to the hospital, where doctors suspected meningitis, fearing the worst. At the time, Yehuda was lethargic and completely unresponsive. The spinal tap came back clear, and a urine and blood test confirmed a diagnosis of measles. He was scheduled to have been vaccinated the week after Pesach, and must have been exposed to a contagious individual weeks prior… Yehudah Yosef was treated at Sharei Zedek hospital in Jerusalem. The man who saved his life is Prof. Dr. Yechiel Schlessinger, head of pediatrics and an infectious disease doctor by training, and we owe him tremendous gratitude. “This innocent baby suffered unbelievable pain through no fault of his own. Take pictures, show the world what measles can do to a innocent child.” This was the edict of Prof. Dr. Schlessinger. Attached are pictures of Yehudah Yosef before the measles struck, and how he looked during his stay at the hospital. (SEE BELOW) Yehuda Yosef’s case was very complicated with infections in his lungs and ears. He was on Oxygen, steroids, antibiotics, and IV fluids. We feared possible long-term consequences of the complications, such as hearing loss. B’chasdei Hashem, and thanks to the incredible staff at Sharei Zedek, he was released after 10 days of hospitalization. He is still on antibiotics for lingering infections. Endless tears were shed and tefillos said for this beautiful little boy whose life hung in the balance. We are certain that Hakodosh Baruch Hu restored his health in the merit of the many who davened and stormed the heavens for his complete refuah. Measles is an illness which had been eradicated for decades. It is incredibly contagious, and can be fatal–especially for young children. Please, please, get your children & grandchildren vaccinated! Check your own immunity with a blood titer test. Do not let your innocent children and grandchildren suffer the fate that Yehudah Yosef and his family had to endure. With thanks to all our friends and families and most of all, to the Ribono Shel Olam, The Cassell and Engelberg Families NOTE: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of YWN. DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE POSTED ON YWN? SEND IT TO US FOR REVIEW.
Israel’s Ministry of Health is weighing the cancelation of the measles vaccination program in the nation’s schools due to a critical shortage of manpower, Yediot Achronot reported on Wednesday. According to the report, the ministry has a comprehensive vaccination program for students, but due to a critical shortage of school nurses, the ministry is not only weighing not to expand the program but canceling it altogether. The measles vaccination program was introduced to the schools over two years ago by order of Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman. The vaccinations were given by nurses operating in the public health sector. They delivered the vaccines during the first two months of the school year to students needing it. The program was hailed a great success as the number of vaccinated students shot up from under 11% to about 50%. A recent letter sent by a public health official to a number of doctors serving as district heads, it states “Due to the heavy demand on the student healthcare system on the one hand, and the critical shortage of nurses on the other hand, it has been decided not to expand the vaccination program this year”. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
On Wednesday evening, President and Founder of United Hatzalah Eli Beer addressed the rumors, spread earlier in the day on various social media platforms, regarding a measles outbreak at the organization’s clinic in Meron. The outbreak, which the Ministry of Health denied reporting, was spread across various social media and mainstream media platforms, and according to the Health Ministry, was a complete fabrication and an illegal act. Beer told YWN: “After receiving conflicting reports on social media regarding a measles outbreak at our clinic in Meron, our Dispatchers together with our Medical Division and the teams in the field investigated the rumors and found that no such outbreak or scare occurred in the United Hatzalah clinic in Meron.” “We contacted the Health Ministry, who supposedly issued the statement and they said that no such statement had been issued by the Ministry. They then sent out a statement clearly stating that the claims of a measles outbreak were fabricated and that it is against the law to make such statements. in a public forum,” Beer added. “It appears that whoever started these rumors wanted to harm the work of United Hatzalah and scare people who were celebrating at Meron into not coming to our clinic for much needed medical attention. The people they hurt the most are those who need help in Meron itself. This is appalling and I cannot fathom someone spreading fear to prevent a person in need of medical attention from going to receive help. This is fake news at its worst,” Beer concluded. United Hatzolah has around 500 hundred volunteers in Meron – support their life-saving work! by clicking here! The Health Ministry issued a statement, which was picked up by numerous news agencies in Israel and posted to Twitter said the following: משרד הבריאות: "בשעות האחרונות הגיעו למשרד הבריאות הודעות בדויות, שפורסמו גם ברשתות החברתיות, בנוגע לחשיפה, כביכול, לחצבת בהילולה במירון. המשרד מבקש להבהיר שהוא הגורם היחיד המוסמך לפרסם מידע בנוגע לחשיפה לחצבת. גורמים שיפרסמו מידע כוזב עוברים על החוק"@VeredPelman — כאן חדשות (@kann_news) May 22, 2019 “In the past few hours, false reports that were publicized on social media channels, regarding an outbreak of Measles amid the celebrations at Meron, reached the offices of the Health Ministry. The Ministry wishes to clarify that it is the only entity qualified to issue any statement regarding the spread of and exposure to Measles. Those who publicized this fraudulent and deceitful information has broken the law.” Earlier in the day, the fake news had reached major news websites including some Charedi websites and was published erroneously. The statement from the Health Ministry was aimed at correcting the misinformation on such an important matter. ***NOTE: YWN is covering Lag B’omer festivities in Meron and around the globe and posting pictures and videos in live time on our WhatsApp status. Click this link – or send a message to 1-888-4-YW-NEWS (888-499-6397) – to see our status posts**** [WATCH MERON LIVE HERE: Lag B’Omer at Kever Rashbi; Schedule of Events – LIVE UPDATES] (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
Rockland County Executive Ed Day wrote to President Donald Trump requesting that an Executive Order be issued or laws be passed to require that visitors from other countries present certification of appropriate immunization before being allowed entry to the United States. Before U.S. citizens travel to other countries it is strongly recommended that they receive certain vaccinations depending on the country they are visiting. “I want the federal government to implement procedure that will demand presentation of immunization records to travelers coming into this country,” Day said. Rockland County’s measles outbreak began when seven travelers from overseas visited while they were infected with measles. These seven people were the flashpoint for Rockland’s outbreak which has led to multiple hospitalizations in intensive care units and even an infant being born prematurely. There are currently 233 confirmed cases of measles since the outbreak began in Rockland in October of 2018 with many more cases going unreported. The letter is attached below. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The NYC Health Department announced Monday that it has closed Yeshiva of Central Queens for failing to comply with an Order of the Health Commissioner in response to the current measles outbreak. The Health Department said on May 9 it had ordered the Yeshiva (located at 147-37 70th Road in Flushing) to prevent unvaccinated students from attending class for 21 days, following a known measles exposure at the school. Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) will not be allowed to reopen until the Health Department reviews and approves a submitted corrective action plan that addresses the lapses in complying with the ban on unvaccinated students. YCQ is the 9th school closed in the city during the current outbreak, though the first one not located in Brooklyn. The previous 8 schools, most of them Yeshivas in Williamsburg, have been authorized to reopen under Health Department monitoring after submitting a corrective action plan that was approved by the Department. It comes as the city struggles to contain the nation’s worst measles outbreak in a generation. Health officials announced that the tally of infections kept climbing last week, hitting a new high of 498. More than three-quarters of the cases, 399, are in the ultra-Orthodox community of Williamsburg, Brooklyn where vaccination rates are below normal. In addition to closing schools, the city announced it has now issued summons to 98 individuals for being non-compliant with the city’s Emergency Order on mandatory vaccinations. Any person receiving the summons is entitled to a hearing, and if the hearing officer upholds the summons, a $1,000 penalty will be imposed. Failing to appear at the hearing or respond to the summons will result in a $2,000 fine. Additionally, U.S. health officials announced Monday that this year’s count of measles cases nationwide has reached 839, the most since 1994, when 963 were reported for the entire year. (There are still more than 7 months in 2019.) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxbcrCeg4Rc/ In all, 23 states have reported cases this year. The vast majority of illnesses have been in New York — most of them among unvaccinated people in Orthodox Jewish communities. That pattern continued last week, with most of the 75 new cases coming from New York State. Measles was once common in the U.S. but gradually became rare after vaccination campaigns that started in the 1960s. “In order to prevent outbreaks in new areas of the City we need parents to get their children vaccinated and schools to exclude children who are not up to date with the measles vaccine. We continue to urge unvaccinated New Yorkers to get vaccinated against measles as soon as possible,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. READ MORE MEASLES COVERAGE: [MAILBAG: Sullivan County Resident Has Message To Jewish Anti-Vaxxers Heading Upstate This Summer] [WATCH: CNN Interviews Hasidic Business Owner From Monsey About Measles; New Cases SOAR in Williamsburg] [UNPRECEDENTED: Over FIVE HUNDRED Doctors Serving Jewish Communities Across North America Say “VACCINATE”!] [Hatzolah in NYC Joins Fight Against The Measles Outbreak – GET VACCINATED NOW] [MEASLES SCARE: JetBlue Flight Quarantined at JFK Airport Over Suspected Measles-Infected Orthodox Jewish Passengers] [HISTORIC: Satmar Paper “Der Yid” Publishes Editorial in ENGLISH Blasting Anti-Vaxxers] [Israel: 10-Year-Old Boy Suffers Permanent Brain Damage After Getting Measles] [MAILBAG: The Measles Crisis Will Reach Unheralded Proportions This Summer] [WATCH: Trump Urges Vaccinations To Prevent Spread Of Measles] [US
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