Search Results for “MEASLES” – Page 5

MEASLES OUTBREAK GROWS: Boro Park Newborns in ICU; Lakewood 11 Cases; Monsey 68 Cases; Rabbonim Slam Anti-Vaxxers

November 13, 2018 4:30 pm 37 Comments

The measles outbreak is spreading in Chareidi communities throughout the Tri-State area. The outbreak is mostly affecting the Frum population, fueled by anti-vaccine propaganda spread by a small minority of the community. Not only is the anti-vaxxer cult responsible for this outbreak, but they are responsible for anti-Semitic propaganda that has begun spreading online – specifically targeting Jews because of failing to get vaccinated. OCEAN COUNTY , NJ (LAKEWOOD) The following is a summary with new and ongoing information with respect to the measles outbreak from the Ocean County Health Department. There are now 11 confirmed measles cases. There are also seven potential cases under investigation. Vaccination is encouraged and those children involved with exposure to a confirmed case may be subject to an order of exclusion, if unvaccinated. The Ocean County Health Department continues to support and highly encourage the exclusion of non-vaccinated children from schools, preschools and daycares in the outbreak area. These entities have the authority to make that decision when an outbreak has been declared by the New Jersey Department of Health. People are reminded to check their immunization records and if there is any sign of symptoms to contact your healthcare provider prior to showing up at that provider’s office so that appropriate arrangements can be made for examination or treatment. The potential for spreading infection exists four days prior and four days after a measles rash onset. People can become ill from measles from 5 to 21 days after being exposed to the virus. Measles-like symptoms include fever, rash, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite and pink eye. Measles can spread through coughing and sneezing and can live on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. 30% of measles cases involve additional serious health complications. An audio recording of Hagaon HaRav Uren Reich, the Rosh Yeshiva of Woodlake, is currently viral on social media. The shiur was recorded THREE YEARS AGO, but the words are timely. YWN has confirmed that Rav Reich’s opinion on the matter is the same, and even stronger now than before against the anti-vaxxers. BROOKLYN, NY (WILLIAMSBURG, BORO PARK ETC) In the last month, NYC Health Department Officials have confirmed at least 17 cases of measles in Williamsburg and Borough Park. That number is expected to rise, officials said, as additional cases are currently under investigation. Two infants have been placed into the Intensive Care Unit at Maimonides Medical center after having been diagnosed with the disease. ROCKLAND COUNTY (MONSEY, NEW SQUARE, SPRING VALLEY) There are 68 confirmed cases of measles within Rockland County as well as 11 suspected cases. That’s a jump of 13 cases in just four days. County Department of Health officials said that the entire county should be considered at risk. Even people previously considered immune — anyone born before 1957 and anyone who has received two doses of measles vaccine — could catch the highly contagious disease. Health officials tightened restrictions on schools in the geographic area where the outbreak is concentrated. All schools in New Square and any school in Spring Valley or Monsey where the immunization rate is lower than 80 percent, must keep un- or under-vaccinated students at home. The restrictions, which affect 34 schools, will apply until 21 days after the last measles case is confirmed in the county — and officials

MEASLES OUTBREAK UPDATES: Israeli Poskim: Not Vaccinating is ‘MURDER’; HaRav Fuerst Forbids Schools From Taking Children

November 7, 2018 10:45 pm 28 Comments

“Whoever isn’t vaccinated is a murderer” – so reads a Kol Koreh signed by leading Gedolim and Poskim in Eretz Yisroel. The letter was issued in an attempt to curb the rampant spread of the Measles currently spreading through Chareidi communities in Israel, as well as in other communities in Israel and around the world. Last week, an unvaccinated infant R”L died, and more than 1300 have been sickened with the disease which is preventable with a regular vaccination. The Gedolim who signed the Kol Koreh include: Hagaon HaRav Yitzchak Zilberstein, Hagaon HaRav Shimon Ba’adani, Hagaon HaRav Sriel Rosenberg, Hagaon HaRav Moshe Shaul Klein and Hagaon HaRav Menachem Mendel Lubin. HaRav Shmuel Fuerst of Agudath Yisrael of Illinois also joined the growing list of Poskim releasing Piskei Halacha directed towards the anti-vaxxers, following the measles outbreak which has spread across many Chareidi communities. Rav Fuerst says he did alot of research into the issue (of vaccinations), and released the following message (audio below, transcribed by YWN): “Every child must have vaccination shots. And a school should not take in any kids that were not vaccinated because of the Issur of ‘Lo Saamod Al Dam Reacha’ – because another child can catch this sickness. It can be measles, mumps, polio or any of these types of illnesses which are almost completely unheard of, and now we are hearing of them because people are not getting vaccinations. “If you have a playgroup, you must make sure that all the children are vaccinated. If there is a child who is not vaccinated, you (the playgroup owner) must notify all the other parents, because you are putting them all in jeopardy”. Rav Fuerst says this applies to children simply going to play at another child’s home. If they are unvaccinated, the other family must be notified. At least 8 Bochrim in Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim have been hospitalized, a child was rushed into Intensive Care in Rockland County, and many others hospitalized. On Tuesday, YWN reported about a letter released by Hagaon HaRav Moshe Sternbuch, who stated specifically it is the responsibility of every father to make certain his children are vaccinated, bringing quotes from Shulchan Aruch citing the matter of שפיחת דמים, causing loss of life. ROCKLAND COUNTY UPDATE In Rockland County, Refuah Health Center has taken the lead in fighting the outbreak. Refuah has dedicated much time and resources to assist the community and its families. Specifically, since October 2, 2018 Refuah has dispensed 2,585 MMR vaccines and the number continues to increase daily. Additionally, Refuah has altered its service delivery to prevent unnecessary exposure include the following: – Newborn Mobile: Babies under the age of 6 months are not eligible for their first MMR vaccine and receive little immunity from the birth process or mother’s milk. To accommodate our most vulnerable patients, Refuah is offering newborn well and sick visits aboard a mobile parked outside of the Center. This reduces chances of exposure which result from mingling with the general public. The infant only mobile is open daily. – Front Door Triage: All patients presenting for a medial visit check in with a nurse, stationed at the front of the Center. The nurse takes the patient’s temperature. Patients with elevated temperatures are escorted to a waiting area for further evaluation. In some instances the patient

Health alert: Concerned about measles or the impending flu season? Here are the answers to all your questions presented by Centers Urgent Care

November 7, 2018 9:30 am 1 Comment

Ask the Doctor? The questions on your mind, answered by the doctors you trust Presented by Centers Urgent Care ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’, Benjamin Franklin famously said. As one of the Brooklyn leaders in Urgent Care, our mission is to provide the highest quality care to those in need of a cure. In our new ‘Ask the Doctor’ column, we hope to expand on our services and provide the community with valuable information that will assist with prevention of potential illnesses and diseases. In this new series, we will interview leading medical professionals and ask the questions that are on the minds of many, in order to gain clarity on often-complex medical issues and learn the vital information needed to prevent unfortunate health problems. For our inaugural feature, we sat down with Dr. Josef Schenker, Medical Director at Centers Urgent Care. Our conversation covered two hot topics of the day; the upcoming flu season and the recent measles outbreak. We are grateful to Dr. Schenker, who took time out of his extremely busy schedule to provide us with a double dose of prevention. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. The influenza virus (flu) Question: What are early symptoms that you might be coming down with the flu? Dr. Schenker: Someone with the flu will generally have high fever, and experience general fatigue or soreness along with feeling congested. Many flu symptoms might appear similar to cold symptoms, but they are generally more severe and come on more quickly. Q: What should one do if he feels he’s coming down with something that might be the flu? A: On this your mother was right…. The best thing for your body is to get extra rest and drink lots of fluid. If you are a healthy individual, your immune system will do its job effectively if you help it out by taking care of yourself. One can also take Motrin or Tylenol if needed to relieve pain of reduce fevers. Q: Should everyone get vaccinated against the influenza virus? A: The short answer is yes. Unless you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine, it’s smart to protect yourself by getting an annual vaccine. Q: Are there downsides to getting vaccinated? A: Other than for the aforementioned people who are allergic, these vaccines have been rigorously tested and there should be zero serious side effects. Q: What about people who took vaccines and still got the flu? A: The influenza virus has many strains. Even if you are immune to one of them, you might be able to catch a different strain. Doctors update the vaccines every year to try and stay ahead of the virus, but it can’t be guaranteed against all strains. Q: Can you get the flu twice in one season? A: It doesn’t happen too often, but it can happen if, as we mentioned before, there are a few different strains going around. If you built up the antibodies to block off one strain, a different strain might still be able to make you sick. Q: Why does the flu go around specifically during this time of the year? A: In the winter, your immune system is weakened and the colder, dryer weather

MEASLES OUTBREAK SPREADS: 8 Bochurim in Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim Hospitalized; Baadatz Urges Vaccinations

November 6, 2018 11:05 am 37 Comments

Health Ministry officials in Israel and around the world are concerned with the increasing spread of the measles, the likes of which we have not seen in many years. More than 1300 people have been sickened in Israel, and an unvaccinated 18-month-old child was R”L killed. Thee outbreak has spread to the Frum communities in the New York / New Jersey area, including Monsey, New Square, Williamsburg and Lakewood, where the so-called anti-vaxxers are under fire for endangering the other members of the community, those who comply with guidelines and have had themselves and children vaccinated. On Tuesday, 28 Marcheshvan, eight bochurim from the Mir Yeshiva were hospitalized, diagnosed with the measles. This includes local bochurim and some from overseas. Medical personnel arrived at the yeshiva on Tuesday morning and the dining hall was converted to a medical clinic as bochrim were vaccinated. (as can be seen in the photos attached above and below) Vaccinations were given to local and bochrim from abroad learning in Mir. Rabbi Dr. Menachem Chaim Breyer, Deputy Medical Director of Bnei Brak’s Mayanei HaYeshua Hospital and a representative of the Rabbis for Medical Ethics on Tuesday morning spoke with Kol Chai radio host Betzalel Kahn, seeking to highlight just how worrisome the situation is. Rabbi Dr. Breyer explained “The fear is not just in Israel, but around world, and while there were 34 documented cases of measles in Israel in 2017, today, there are already 1350 cases in Israel, and that number of climbing. In addition, in one-third of the cases there are medical complications, and the mortality rate in these cases is 1:1000”. Many are getting vaccinated now, after the outbreak, and Israel’s Health Ministry has launched a major campaign, an effort to educate the tzibur and a call to all whose children are unvaccinated, to come and get vaccinated immediately. Similar cries have been heard in Monsey already, as well as other places. Rabbi Dr. Breyer explains that while with many viruses if one is exposed, it is not that likely to spread to others. However, he explains the case regarding the measles is not so, since it is very aggressive and if 100 people are exposed to the virus, 90 will become ill as a result so the spread is rapid and worrisome. He mentioned the experts in the Health Ministry are also considering to begin vaccinating the little ones at the age of 9 months instead of today’s norm of one year. Kol Chai: Do we know what caused the spread this year, above previous years? Dr. Breyer: We don’t know but someone who visited Israel from abroad brought it here. What is certain is the persons who do not vaccinate their children are a major contributory factor and these children infect everyone around them, and anyone they come into contact with. I have been visiting with Gedolei Yisrael and HaGaon HaRav Moshe Sternbuch Shlita instructed me to delve into deeper and to bring him information to determine the magnitude of the illness, and recommendations as to what needs to be done. In a letter released by the Ravaad Eida Chareidis, Rav Sternbuch states specifically it is the responsibility of every father to make certain his children are vaccinated, bringing quotes from Shulchan Aruch citing the matter of שפיחת דמים, causing loss of

MEASLES OUTBREAK UPDATES: Anti-Vaxxers to DEFY Ban and Send Kids to School; Lakewood Giving Hundreds of Vaccines as Parents Panic

November 4, 2018 7:30 pm 45 Comments

YWN has been reporting extensively about the measles outbreak, currently spreading through multiple Chareidi communities due to the so-called “anti-vaxxer” cult, who refuse to give the highly recommended and effective vaccine. Health Departments are extremely concerned, and there is panic spreading among parents of children in schools. The outbreak has spread from Israel, where over 1200 people have been sickened, and an unvaccinated 18-month-old child was R”L killed. Below are the latest updates: ROCKLAND COUNTY (MONSEY, SPRING VALLEY, NEW SQUARE) As of this report, there are close to 50 cases in Rockland County. Two children have been hospitalized – ONE IN INTENSIVE CARE – because of the measles outbreak, and the health department is taking more precautions to make sure it doesn’t spread among students. The Viznitz Monsey Girls School announced that any child who is not immunized, can’t return to school for 21 days. No “religious exemption” is accepted. A religious exemption does not work when there is a measles outbreak. Rockland County’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, announced Wednesday that all schools in the Village of New Square are now required to keep students who are un-vaccinated or under-vaccinated against the disease home until 21 days have passed since the last case of measles is confirmed in the county. However, YWN has obtained a recording taken on Sunday morning from one of the Anti-Vaxxer hotlines in Rockland County. A woman giving an update to the listeners says that “it’s ok to send your children to school tomorrow, Monday morning in Monsey – even without a letter. We will be distributing / getting a letter out as soon as possible”. At least two Shuls that YWN knows of have informed their members that anyone not vaccinated can not enter the Shul. This follows the story YWN published on Friday, where at least 6 Shuls in Lakewood have made the same rule. Six schools in Lakewood have made the same rule, and others are expected to follow suite. So far, Rockland county has given more two thousand doses of the measles vaccine, referred to as MMR. Ruppert is urging parents to make sure their whole families vaccination history. OCEAN COUNTY, NJ (LAKEWOOD) Hundreds of people are showing up at their pediatricians to get vaccinations, following the report of at least 4 confirmed cases of measles in Lakewood. The Ocean County Health Department and the NJ EMS Task Force have arrived in Lakewood, and set up large tents outside CHEMED Health Clinic, and have ordered approximately 1500 vaccinations to be administered to those requesting it. At Doctor Shanik’s office, the premier and senior pediatrician in Lakewood, there are reportedly no vaccines available as they have run out. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TheYeshivaWorld.com (@theyeshivaworld) on Nov 2, 2018 at 2:36pm PDT NEW YORK CITY (WILLIAMSBURG, BORO PARK) In NYC, the Health Department is reporting 11 new cases of children with confirmed measles, bringing the total to 17. Chassidish communities in Williamsburg and Borough Park are affected. The children with measles range in age from 7 months to 4 years. [MAILBAG: Time to Stand Up to the Anti-Vaxxers] PHOTOS AND VIDEO BELOW VIA TLS: Measles is highly contagious, so anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting the disease. People who are unvaccinated risk getting infected with

Measles Outbreak Sparks Warning From Polish Health Officials

November 4, 2018 11:00 am No Comments

Polish health officials are calling on people to vaccinate themselves and their children after measles cases were reported in the region around Warsaw. Health Minister Lukasz Szumowski said 17 recent measles cases in the Mazovia Province all resulted from parents failing to get their children vaccinated. The Polish cases come as the World Health Organization has reported tens of thousands of measles cases across Europe. At a news conference on Sunday, Szumowski and other health officials stressed that measles vaccinations are safe. Measles is a highly contagious disease and WHO says it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide in young children. It’s easily prevented with a vaccine. (AP)

YOU ARE NOT WELCOME IN SHUL! Lakewood Takes Strong Stance Against Anti-Vaxxers Responsible For Measles Outbreak

November 2, 2018 1:20 pm 30 Comments

The measles outbreak continues to grow, thanks to the anti-vaxxers, and now some Shuls are sending a strong message to them. According to TLS, a few Shuls in Lakewood have sent out letters to their Mispallelim that they should not bring anyone who was not vaccinated into the building. A number of Lakewood schools have also taken a stance, and have informed their parent body that children who are not vaccinated are not permitted into school. As of Friday morning, there are at least four confirmed cases of measles in Lakewood. The following is a message that one of the Shuls sent out on Friday morning: “Attention Shul Members: As you may know there has been an outbreak of measles which has now reached Lakewood. As per the Rov Shlita, anyone who is not vaccinated, adults or children, may not enter the shul under any circumstances. For the health and safety of our community we ask that everyone please comply.” Meanwhile, the NYC Health Department today is reporting 11 new cases of children with confirmed measles, bringing the total to 17. Chassidish communities in Williamsburg and Borough Park are affected. The children with measles range in age from 7 months to 4 years. Three infections, including the initial case of measles, were acquired by children on a visit to Israel, where a large outbreak of the disease is occurring. There has also been transmission in schools with children who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated. There are no deaths associated with this cluster, although there have been complications including hospitalization. On Thursday night, an unvaccinated 18-month-old baby was R”L was Niftar in Jerusalem from the Measles. Other member of the same family were confirmed to have been infected as well. Meanwhile, in Rockland County, NY, more than 40 cases have been confirmed. Two children have been hospitalized – ONE IN INTENSIVE CARE – because of the measles outbreak, and the health department is taking more precautions to make sure it doesn’t spread among students. There have been dozens of stories published by YWN in the past few months of measles alerts issued by authorities involving Frum people who have not been vaccinated. The Viznitz Monsey Girls School announced that any child who is not immunized, can’t return to school for 21 days. No “religious exemption” is accepted. A religious exemption does not work when there is a measles outbreak. Rockland County’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, announced Wednesday that all schools in the Village of New Square are now required to keep students who are un-vaccinated or under-vaccinated against the disease home until 21 days have passed since the last case of measles is confirmed in the county. So far, the county has given more two thousand doses of the measles vaccine, referred to as MMR. Ruppert is urging parents to make sure their whole families vaccination history. Measles is highly contagious, so anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting the disease. People who are unvaccinated risk getting infected with measles and spreading it to others, and they may spread measles to people who cannot get vaccinated because they are too young or have specific health conditions. Individuals are considered protected or immune to measles if: • they were born before 1957 • have received two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine

TRAGEDY: Un-Vaccinated Child R”L Dies of Measles in Jerusalem; Child in Intensive Care in Monsey

November 1, 2018 11:10 pm 20 Comments

Tragedy has struck the Chareidi community as an 18-month-old baby R”L was Niftar in Jerusalem on Thursday evening. It is suspected that the infant died due to being exposed to Measles, and was unvaccinated. A ZAKA spokesperson said they were dealing with the infant, who lived on Chayei Adam Street in the Meah Shearim neighborhood. The child was taken by ambulance to Shaare Tzedek Hospital where she was R”L Niftar. This is Israel’s first death from measles since 2003. The country is grappling with one of its worst measles outbreaks in decades, with over 1,200 cases reported since the beginning of 2018. Members of the infant’s family were diagnosed with the disease on Wednesday according to sources in the Israeli media. The young girl had physical signs of the infection on her body. People in the community spoke to the Israeli press and said that first responders from United Hatzalah and other organizations were prevented from attending to the girl because she was suspected of being infected with the disease. Zaka volunteers were sent to receive additional vaccinations, ahead of their being allowed to deal with the outcome of the infant’s death. Measels is easily preventable if a person is vaccinated, but has spread in certain sections of the Chareidi population due to opposition to vaccinating. Meanwhile, in Rockland County, NY, more than 40 cases have been confirmed. Two children have been hospitalized – ONE IN INTENSIVE CARE – because of the measles outbreak, and the health department is taking more precautions to make sure it doesn’t spread among students. In Lakewood, there are three confirmed cases, and in Williamsburg there are at least 6. The World Health Organization has reported tens of thousands of measles cases across Europe, and it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide in young children. There have been dozens of stories published by YWN in the past few months of measles alerts issued by authorities involving Frum people who have not been vaccinated. YWN published a story two weeks ago about a measles outbreak in New York, with 6 residents of Williamsburg and multiple residents of Rockland County confirmed to have the disease. The Viznitz Monsey Girls School announced that any child who is not immunized, can’t return to school for 21 days. No “religious exemption” is accepted. A religious exemption does not work when there is a measles outbreak. Three weeks ago, YWN reported about the Menahel of Breslov Mosdos in Tzefas having been infected with the measles. He was listed in critical condition at the time of the news story. Last week, YWN published an article where MK (Yisrael Beitenu) Yulia Malinovsky on Monday, during a session of the Knesset Health Committee, blasted the chareidi public of intensifying the spread of measles in Israel because so many of the community refuse to vaccinate. Measles is highly contagious, so anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting the disease. People who are unvaccinated risk getting infected with measles and spreading it to others, and they may spread measles to people who cannot get vaccinated because they are too young or have specific health conditions. 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 measles confirmed by

MEASLES OUTBREAK GROWS: 40 Cases In Monsey, New Square; At Least 3 In Lakewood, 6 In Brooklyn

November 1, 2018 1:30 pm 11 Comments

The outbreak of measles is growing. The following are the latest updates available to YWN. ROCKLAND COUNTY (MONSEY, SPRING VALLEY, NEW SQUARE) The Rockland County Health Department is now requiring more students to get the measles vaccine or stay home from school, as more confirmed cases are reported in the county. The health commissioner said students should stay home for three weeks if not vaccinated to keep measles from spreading. Two children have been hospitalized – ONE IN INTENSIVE CARE – because of the measles outbreak, and the health department is taking more precautions to make sure it doesn’t spread among students. As more measles cases are confirmed in Rockland, the health department is urging everyone in the county to make sure they’re vaccinated and expanding the list of schools where students should either get the vaccine or be kept home for three weeks. Rockland County’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, announced Wednesday that all schools in the Village of New Square are now required to keep students who are un-vaccinated or under-vaccinated against the disease home until 21 days have passed since the last case of measles is confirmed in the county. The same standards apply for students in specific schools in Monsey, Spring Valley, and any school with less than a 70 percent vaccination rate. So far, the county has given more two thousand doses of the measles vaccine, referred to as MMR. Ruppert is urging parents to make sure their whole families vaccination history. LAKEWOOD, NJ The New Jersey Department of Health is warning residents about two additional confirmed cases of measles who could have exposed others to the infection while in Ocean County between October 25 and 30. Anyone who visited the following locations may have been exposed to measles: NPGS, 231 Main St, Lakewood, NJ 08701 October 25 between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. October 29 between 2:15 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. Pizza Plus, 241 4th St, Lakewood, NJ 08701 on October 28 between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The Department is working in collaboration with the Ocean County Health Department to identify and notify people who might have been exposed during the time the individuals were infectious. There have been dozens of stories published by YWN in the past few months of measles alerts issued by authorities involving Frum people who have not been vaccinated. YWN published a story two weeks ago about a measles outbreak in New York, with 6 residents of Williamsburg and multiple residents of Rockland County confirmed to have the disease. The Viznitz Monsey Girls School announced that any child who is not immunized, can’t return to school for 21 days. No “religious exemption” is accepted. A religious exemption does not work when there is a measles outbreak. Three weeks ago, YWN reported about the Menahel of Breslov Mosdos in Tzefas having been infected with the measles. He was listed in critical condition at the time of the news story. Last week, YWN published an article where MK (Yisrael Beitenu) Yulia Malinovsky on Monday, during a session of the Knesset Health Committee, blasted the chareidi public of intensifying the spread of measles in Israel because so many of the community refuse to vaccinate. Measles is highly contagious, so anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting the disease. People who are

THIRTY THREE Cases of Measles Confirmed in Rockland County; ANOTHER Measles Alert For Israel & an El Al Flight

October 29, 2018 8:20 pm 1 Comment

Israel’s Health Ministry has released yet another measles alert, this time for passengers on an El Al flight. The alert is for passengers who were on board El Al flight LY2652, which left Kiev and landed in Ben-Gurion International Airport a few days ago. They are being informed it has been learned one passenger had the measles. Persons who flew on the flight and showing signs and symptoms of the illness are instructed to visit their family physician immediately. No exact date was given for the flight, which is not daily. Unfortunately, the spread of measles is prominent in the frum world, in North America as well, leading to at least 2000 people in Monsey getting vaccinated since the outbreak, as reported by YWN. Meanwhile, Health officials in Rockland County say the number of people infected with measles has more than doubled in the last few days. There are now 33 confirmed cases and doctors say they’re monitoring 5 other patients who may also have the virus. View this post on Instagram THIRTY THREE #measles cases now confirmed in #Monsey – officials say keep unvaccinated children HOME FROM SCHOOL SEE MORE ON WWW.THEYESHIVAWORLD.COM A post shared by TheYeshivaWorld.com (@theyeshivaworld) on Oct 29, 2018 at 9:33pm PDT YWN reported last Wednesday that the CHEMED Health Clinic in Lakewood was urging people to make sure they get vaccinated after there was a suspected case in the community. There have been dozens of stories published by YWN in the past few months of measles alerts issued by authorities involving Frum people who have not been vaccinated. YWN published a story two weeks ago about a measles outbreak in New York, with 6 residents of Williamsburg and multiple residents of Rockland County confirmed to have the disease. The Viznitz Monsey Girls School announced that any child who is not immunized, can’t return to school for 21 days. No “religious exemption” is accepted. A religious exemption does not work when there is a measles outbreak. Three weeks ago, YWN reported about the Menahel of Breslov Mosdos in Tzefas having been infected with the measles. He was listed in critical condition at the time of the news story. Last week, YWN published an article where MK (Yisrael Beitenu) Yulia Malinovsky on Monday, during a session of the Knesset Health Committee, blasted the chareidi public of intensifying the spread of measles in Israel because so many of the community refuse to vaccinate. Measles is highly contagious, so anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting the disease. People who are unvaccinated risk getting infected with measles and spreading it to others, and they may spread measles to people who cannot get vaccinated because they are too young or have specific health conditions. 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 measles confirmed by a health care provider • or have a lab test confirming immunity Symptoms include a fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis or runny nose, and they could appear 10 to 12 days after exposure. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. To prevent the spread of illness, health officials are advising individuals who may have been exposed and who have symptoms

TWO THOUSAND Unvaccinated People Receive Measles Vaccine in Monsey Since Outbreak

October 25, 2018 10:15 pm 3 Comments

According to a News 12 report, in just a few days, two thousand people have received the measles vaccine in Monsey. Rockland County administered around 300 MMR vaccines, and a partnering health clinic has given out 1,700. Dozens of families turned up Thursday to the county’s Health Department, which was offering free MMR vaccines at the community outreach center. It was the latest in a series of free vaccine clinics offered by the county following the outbreak, which started at the beginning of this month. The outbreak started after several people infected with the virus returned from Israel. The number of confirmed cases is up to 18, with six more suspected. There will be another free vaccine clinic Friday in Spring Valley. YWN reported on Wednesday that the CHEMED Health Clinic in Lakewood was urging people to make sure they get vaccinated after there was a suspected case in the community. There have been dozens of stories published by YWN in the past few months of measles alerts issued by authorities involving Frum people who have not been vaccinated. Last Wednesday, YWN published a story about a measles outbreak in New York, with 6 residents of Williamsburg and seven residents of Rockland County confirmed to have the disease. An additional eight suspected cases in Rockland County were being investigated involving a mix of adults and children. Many are linked to recent travel to Israel which has been dealing with the disease for months. Last Thursday, the Viznitz Monsey Girls School announced that any child who is not immunized, can’t return to school for 21 days. No “religious exemption” is accepted. A religious exemption does not work when there is a measles outbreak. Three weeks ago, YWN reported about the Menahel of Breslov Mosdos in Tzefas having been infected with the measles. He was listed in critical condition at the time of the news story. On Wednesday, YWN published an article where MK (Yisrael Beitenu) Yulia Malinovsky on Monday, during a session of the Knesset Health Committee, blasted the chareidi public of intensifying the spread of measles in Israel because so many of the community refuse to vaccinate. Measles is highly contagious, so anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting the disease. People who are unvaccinated risk getting infected with measles and spreading it to others, and they may spread measles to people who cannot get vaccinated because they are too young or have specific health conditions. 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 measles confirmed by a health care provider • or have a lab test confirming immunity Symptoms include a fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis or runny nose, and they could appear 10 to 12 days after exposure. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. To prevent the spread of illness, health officials are advising individuals who may have been exposed and who have symptoms consistent with measles to contact their health care provider, a local clinic, or a local emergency department before going for care.

OUTBREAK CONTINUES: Suspected Case Of Measles In LAKEWOOD – Confirmed Cases Of Pertussis & Varicella

October 24, 2018 3:38 pm 33 Comments

Measles outbreaks have been reported in Williamsburg, Monsey (Rockland County), in many communities in Israel, and now – in Lakewood, NJ. Health officials in Lakewood are warning the community about a suspected case of measles, and confirmed cases of Pertussis and Varicella. The CHEMED Health Clinic in Lakewood tells TLS that an individual showed signs and symptoms of measles – including a large rash on his body. The patient had just returned from a trip to Israel. Additionally, there have been confirmed cases of Pertussis & Varicella. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. A highly contagious respiratory tract infection that is easily preventable by vaccine. CHEMED released the following statement to TLS regarding the cases. “CHEMED would like to make the community aware of a suspected case of measles in Ocean County and confirmed cases of pertussis and varicella. Symptoms of measles include fever, coughing and a rash that usually starts on the face. “There is a very real danger for those who are not immunized, such as infants, and those who are immuno-compromised, who may come in contact with an infected person. A non-immunized pregnant women could result in exposure to the fetus. CHEMED would like to remind everyone of the vital importance of being up to date with immunizations to protect you and our community.” There have been dozens of stories published by YWN in the past few months of measles alerts issued by authorities involving Frum people who have not been vaccinated. Last Wednesday, YWN published a story about a measles outbreak in New York, with 6 residents of Williamsburg and seven residents of Rockland County confirmed to have the disease. An additional eight suspected cases in Rockland County were being investigated involving a mix of adults and children. Many are linked to recent travel to Israel which has been dealing with the disease for months. On Thursday, the Visnitz Monsey Girls School announced that any child who is not immunized, can’t return to school for 21 days. No “religious exemption” is accepted. A religious exemption does not work when there is a measles outbreak. Three weeks ago, YWN reported about the Menahel of Breslov Mosdos in Tzefas having been infected with the measles. He was listed in critical condition at the time of the news story. Earlier Wednesday, YWN published an article where MK (Yisrael Beitenu) Yulia Malinovsky on Monday, during a session of the Knesset Health Committee, blasted the chareidi public of intensifying the spread of measles in Israel because so many of the community refuse to vaccinate. Measles is highly contagious, so anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting the disease. People who are unvaccinated risk getting infected with measles and spreading it to others, and they may spread measles to people who cannot get vaccinated because they are too young or have specific health conditions. 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 measles confirmed by a health care provider • or have a lab test confirming immunity Symptoms include a fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis or runny nose, and they could appear 10 to 12 days after exposure. The

WATCH: Knesset Member Slams Chareidim For Spread Of Measles; Goes After “Gender Separation” In Health Clinics

October 24, 2018 7:45 am 17 Comments

MK (Yisrael Beitenu) Yulia Malinovsky on Monday, during a session of the Knesset Health Committee, claimed the chareidi public is intensifying the spread of measles in Israel because so many of the community refuse to vaccinate. During a discussion of the committee she said, “So many are primitive and ignorant regarding worldviews and in the name of Torah and religion, they refuse to be vaccinated and believe in all kinds of trivial things”. She did not stop there, but the MK in Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s party also accused the chareidim of maintaining gender separation, even in health clinics. “The chareidim also have segregation in kupat cholim with men on one side and women on the other. How can they be vaccinated like this?” Bayit Yehudi party chairwoman MK Shuli Muallem attacked her for her harsh remarks and said she was engaging in cheap populism and accused her of smearing the chareidim. פעם האנטישמים באירופה העלילו על היהודים שהפיצו את האבעבועות השחורות. עכשיו בוועדת העבודה הרווחה והבריאות – ח”כ @YuliaMalinovsky מאשימה את החרדים בהתפרצות החצבת. חבל שדיון בעל חשיבות לאומית הופך למוקד רדיפה. pic.twitter.com/idgvXGgtEF — שולי מועלם-רפאלי (@Shuli_MR) October 22, 2018 “How dare you slander an entire public here? What ignorance! Rabbis call on the public to be vaccinated. The problem of non-vaccinating exists in all Israeli society. Why do you take a professional, public health debate in order to raise political capital? Where’s your shame? Where were you at the beginning of the debate,” Muallem fired back. Muallem added in a tweet, “The anti-Semites in Europe once blamed the Jews for spreading the smallpox, and now the Labor and Welfare Committee – MK Malinovsky accuses the chareidim of the measles outbreak. It is a shame that a discussion of national importance becomes a focus of persecution.” MK Malinovsky responded: “Only yesterday, the Mako news website published a worrisome statistic that about half the measles patients – at least from the cases identified so far – occurred among the chareidi populations. This is a research statistic and not my invention. במאקו פרסמו שמעל למחצית מהנדבקים הם חרדים, גם מאקו אנטישמים? משרד הבריאות הציב עמדות חיסון מיוחדות בשכונות החרדיות, גם משרד הבריאות אנטישמי? את תמשיכי עם הפוליטיקה הקטנה והצביעות ואני אמשיך לדאוג לשלום הציבור. — Yulia Malinovsky יוליה מלינובסקי (@YuliaMalinovsky) October 22, 2018 “Beyond the search for ‘guilty’, as a rule, it is important for me to clarify my position on the subject – one who chooses not to vaccinate himself or his children, acts negligently and irresponsibly and endangers an entire environment. Pregnant, the elderly … It’s enough to lie, pretend enough, and the unethical public and its leaders must take responsibility and act according to the recommendations of the Health Ministry.” MK Yinon Azoulai of Shas slammed Malinovsky’s words and said: “MK Malinovsky’s foolish words attest to total ignorance and a mistaken worldview.” Azoulai added: “It is a shame that in order to earn her political fortune, Malinovsky chooses to slander an entire public”. “I expect Mrs. Malinovsky to apologize for her grave remarks, the sooner, the better”. On Wednesday, YWN published a story about a measles outbreak in New York, with 6 residents of Williamsburg and seven residents of Rockland County confirmed to have the disease. An additional eight suspected cases in Rockland County were being investigated involving

Williamsburg Yeshivos Meet With NYC Health Department To Stem Spread of Measles

October 19, 2018 10:55 am 8 Comments

Leaders and school administrators from the Orthodox Jewish community in Williamsburg met today at the UJO of Williamsburg with NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), a representatives of the Mayor’s Community Assistance Unit and representatives of the elected officials of the area, to collaborate on efforts to stem the spread of measles infection in the community. As per the last Department of Health figures, 6 children are confirmed to have contracted the measles infection and more are awaiting lab results to determine if they have the infection. Measles is extremely contagious, and unvaccinated individuals are susceptible to transmit the infection, even if they don’t exhibit symptoms. Measles can be very dangerous and even fatal, especially for those with a compromised immune. On Wednesday, YWN published a story about a measles outbreak in New York, with 6 residents of Williamsburg and seven residents of Rockland County confirmed to have the disease. An additional eight suspected cases in Rockland County were being investigated involving a mix of adults and children. Many are linked to recent travel to Israel which has been dealing with the disease for months. In order to stem this outbreak, parents must ensure that their children received the recommended vaccination doses, at age 1 and a second one at age 4. Measles infections are far more prevalent in Israel and Europe. Hence, before travelling with children overseas, parents should make sure that their children from six months and older are vaccinated. Measles symptoms include fever, and a rash starting on the fact, trickling down the body and occasionally also appearing on the palms and soles. Children exhibiting such symptoms should not attend school, and the parents should contact their doctor to arrange for an appointment privately, in order not to transmit the infection to other patients. Those contacted that they or their child have been at a place with a measles patient, shall make sure to follow their doctor’s advice. Schools where a student was diagnosed with measles, are required by the department of health to exclude all non-vaccinated students until 21 days of the last measles case in the neighborhood. View this post on Instagram HEALTH COMMISSIONER: Unvaccinated children must STAY HOME from school during the ongoing #measles outbreak in #Monsey A post shared by TheYeshivaWorld.com (@theyeshivaworld) on Oct 19, 2018 at 3:37am PDT Dr. Jane Jane R. Zucker, MD, Assistant Commissioner of the NYC-DOHMH Bureau of Immunization, updated community leaders and school administrators, on the outbreak, and discussed how to ensure that the entire community follows all tips, to stop this outbreak before it results in many more sufferings. The meeting was also attended DOHMH Associate Commissioner Sam Miller and a number of DOHMH representatives, Mr. Pinny Ringel, Senior member of the Mayor’s Community Assistance Unit, and representatives from the offices of Assemblyman Joe Lentol, State Senator Kavanagh and Councilman Steve Levin also participated at the meeting and committed their support in the effort to stop the outbreak. “For decades, the UJO worked with the NYC Department of Health and the local schools and community leaders to stop outbreaks of infectious diseases. This collaboration is vital for the health of the community. We will continue efforts to ensure that everybody follows the above instructions,” said Rabbi David Niederman, president of the UJO of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn. “We

FIGHTING THE OUTBREAK: Vishnitz Girls School in Monsey Not Allowing Unnvaccinated Children After Students Diagnosed With Measles

October 18, 2018 2:30 pm 14 Comments

An Orthodox Jewish School has taken a hard stance against the anti-vaxxers who refuse to vaccinate their children. YWN has confirmed that the Visnitz Monsey Girls School made the bold announcement on Thursday afternoon. The decision was made after 2 childen were confirmed to have Measles. One child is in preschool and one in elementary school. Any child who is not immunized, can’t return to school for 21 days. No “religious exemption” is accepted. A religious exemption does not work when there is a measles outbreak. If the school identifies another measles case, the 21 days will start over. On Wednesday, YWN published a story about a measles outbreak in New York, with 6 residents of Williamsburg and seven residents of Rockland County confirmed to have the disease. An additional eight suspected cases in Rockland County were being investigated involving a mix of adults and children. Many are linked to recent travel to Israel which has been dealing with the disease for months. Two weeks ago, YWN reported about the Menahel of Breslov Mosdos in Tzefas having been infected with the measles. He was listed in critical condition at the time of the news story. There have been dozens of stories published by YWN in the past few months of measles alerts issued by authorities involving Frum people who have not been vaccinated. Health officials have said anyone at the following locations in Rockland, Westchester and Bergen counties may have been exposed to the measles: Congregation Bais Elazer in Monsey, N.Y. on Oct. 4 Mia’s Reflexology in New City, N.Y. on Oct. 4 Lifetime Gym in Montvale, N.J. on Oct. 5 Wesley Kosher in Monsey N.Y. on Oct. 5 Congregation Borov in Monsey, N.Y. on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6 Costco in Nanuet, N.Y. on Oct. 7 Care 365 in Monsey, N.Y. on Oct. 8 Westchester Medical Center’s Emergency Room in Valhalla, N.Y. on Oct. 11 Lack of immunizations have been blamed for outbreaks within other Orthodox Jewish communities. In 2013, the largest measles outbreak in the United States in 17 years spread through Orthodox families in two Brooklyn neighborhoods. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TheYeshivaWorld.com (@theyeshivaworld) on Oct 18, 2018 at 12:27pm PDT For those who believe they may have been exposed and have further questions, a toll-free hotline has been established: 1-888-364-4837. The hotline is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Measles is highly contagious, so anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting the disease. People who are unvaccinated risk getting infected with measles and spreading it to others, and they may spread measles to people who cannot get vaccinated because they are too young or have specific health conditions. 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 measles confirmed by a health care provider • or have a lab test confirming immunity Symptoms include a fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis or runny nose, and they could appear 10 to 12 days after exposure. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. To prevent the spread of illness, health officials are advising individuals who may have been exposed and who have symptoms consistent

ANOTHER MEASLES INCIDENT: Israel Health Ministry Alert For Passengers On Board Turkish Airlines Flight

October 17, 2018 11:30 pm 2 Comments

Israel’s Ministry of Health has issued another alert, this time for passengers on Turkish Airlines flight 788 on Thursday, 2 Marcheshvan from Turkey to Israel after learning a passenger on board had the measles. Tel Aviv district officials of the ministry announce that anyone with any signs and symptoms of the illness, including fever and rash, should immediately contact his/her physician. Passengers who were on the flight whom are included in the ‘high risk’ category should contact their doctor even if they do not show the signs and symptoms. This includes infants under one-year, pregnant women and persons who were not vaccinated or are being treated for an immune system illness. Another recent ministry alert was for 500-1,000 people who attended a Bnei Brak chasenah as the illness which was all but eradicated seems to be making a comeback. Health officials feel that the growing number of parents who do not vaccinate their children is undoubtedly a major contributory cause to the return of the illness. Earlier on Wednesday, YWN published a story about a measles outbreak in New York, where 6 residents of Williamsburg, and seven residents of Rockland County were confirmed to have the disease. An additional eight suspected cases in Rockland County were being investigated involving a mix of adults and children. Two weeks ago, YWN reported about the Menahel of Breslov Mosdos in Tzefas having been infected with the measles. He was listed in critical condition at the time of the news story. There have been dozens of stories published by YWN in the past few months of measles alerts issued by authorities involving Frum people who have not been vaccinated. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

MEASLES OUTBREAK: At Least 7 Cases in Monsey, 6 in Williamsburg – Some Travelled To Israel — WERE NOT VACCINATED

October 17, 2018 4:20 pm 10 Comments

The NYC Health Department today is reporting six individuals with confirmed measles this month in the Orthodox Jewish community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The initial case of measles was acquired by a child on a visit to Israel, where a large outbreak of the disease is occurring. The individuals with measles ranged in age from 11 months to 4 years. Five of these children were unvaccinated prior to exposure, including four because vaccination was delayed and one who was too young to have received the vaccine. The sixth child had received one dose of the vaccine prior to exposure but was not yet immune. Complications include one child who was hospitalized with pneumonia and another child with an ear infection. Meanwhile, Health officials in Rockland County on Wednesday said there were seven confirmed cases, and an additional eight suspected cases being investigated involving a mix of adults and children. Rockland officials say five of the sickened can be traced to recent travel to Israel. Two additional cases are from exposure that occurred in the county. Health officials have said anyone at the following locations in Rockland, Westchester and Bergen counties may have been exposed to the measles: Congregation Bais Elazer in Monsey, N.Y. on Oct. 4 Mia’s Reflexology in New City, N.Y. on Oct. 4 Lifetime Gym in Montvale, N.J. on Oct. 5 Wesley Kosher in Monsey N.Y. on Oct. 5 Congregation Borov in Monsey, N.Y. on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6 Costco in Nanuet, N.Y. on Oct. 7 Care 365 in Monsey, N.Y. on Oct. 8 Westchester Medical Center’s Emergency Room in Valhalla, N.Y. on Oct. 11 For those who believe they may have been exposed and have further questions, a toll-free hotline has been established: 1-888-364-4837. The hotline is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To increase awareness about measles, the NYC Health Department will hold a meeting in Williamsburg with rabbis and elected officials tomorrow, place ads in local newspapers and distribute posters to health care providers. The first case in Rockland County of international travel was in late September, and two more cases due to separate international travelers in early October are leading to more potential cases of measles among non-immune residents. County health officials offered a free vaccine to residents who had been exposed on Oct. 11. Now they’re offering two more chances for a free vaccine. “As we see more cases there is the potential for further exposure,” said Rockland County Commissioner of Health Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. “The Rockland County Department of Health continues to investigate these cases and will keep residents informed of any updates. I recommend that residents make sure they and their families are up-to-date on their measles vaccinations.” Measles is highly contagious, so anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of getting the disease. People who are unvaccinated risk getting infected with measles and spreading it to others, and they may spread measles to people who cannot get vaccinated because they are too young or have specific health conditions. 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 measles confirmed by a health care provider • or have a lab test confirming immunity Symptoms include a fever, rash,

ANOTHER MEASLES INCIDENT Involving Frum Person In NY & NJ; Visited Monsey Locations

October 15, 2018 8:45 am 17 Comments

Rockland County officials fear residents in New York and New Jersey may have been exposed to the measles this month. According to a release from County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, a traveler from Israel was found to be carrying the disease and visited several locations in Rockland, Westchester, and Bergen counties. Residents are being warning they may have been infected by the unidentified traveler at some point between Oct. 4 and Oct. 11. Health officials say anyone at these locations may have been exposed to the measles: Congregation Bais Elazer in Monsey, N.Y. on Oct. 4 Mia’s Reflexology in New City, N.Y. on Oct. 4 Lifetime Gym in Montvale, N.J. on Oct. 5 Wesley Kosher in Monsey N.Y. on Oct. 5 Congregation Borov in Monsey, N.Y. on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6 Costco in Nanuet, N.Y. on Oct. 7 Care 365 in Monsey, N.Y. on Oct. 8 Westchester Medical Center’s Emergency Room in Valhalla, N.Y. on Oct. 11 Rockland County health officials say the infected person is now being treated and is isolated. Symptoms of the measles include fever, runny nose, red eyes that are sensitive to light, coughing and a red rash. The illness usually appears 10-12 days after exposure, but can sometimes take up to three weeks to develop. It is the second time in a month that a visitor to Rockland has exposed others to the measles. An international traveler went to New Square from Newark International Airport and spent several days before symptoms appeared; local people were exposed to the measles from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1. Last week, YWN reported about the Menahel of Breslov Mosdos in Tzefas having been infected with the measles. He was listed in critical condition at the time of the news story. There have been dozens of stories published by YWN in the past few months of measles alerts issued by authorities involving Frum people who have not been vaccinated. (Yossi Taub – YWN)

ANOTHER MEASLES INCIDENT: 500-1000 People May Be At Risk As Guest Attending A Bnei Brak Chasunah Was Infected

October 11, 2018 8:00 pm 4 Comments

A guest who recently attended a Bnei Brak chasunah, a man in his 40s, is now admitted to Assuta Hospital in Ashdod, diagnosed with the measles. As a result, Health Ministry officials are concerned regarding the hundreds of guests who attended the same chasenuh, KAN 11 News reported on Wednesday evening the eve of 3 Marcheshvan. The chasenuh in question took place on Sunday, 28 Tishrei, and according to estimates, during the incubation period of the disease – an average of one to ten days – he came into contact with hundreds of people and estimates the number of those who could be infected ranged from 500 to 1,000. Following the discovery, the Ministry of Health worked to locate the people who had contact with him and to see if they were vaccinated against measles, and if not – to be immediately vaccinated. So far 50 people have been vaccinated and another 30 were waiting to be vaccinated on Thursday. On Wednesday, two people who had contact with the patient arrived and were already diagnosed as infected. They too were hospitalized. Earlier Monday, the Health Ministry announced that it had received a report that a measles patient flew on Wednesday on Israir flight, which took off at 13:55 from Eilat to Tel Aviv. Passengers who develop fever or rash should inform their attending doctor that they have had contact with a measles patient. Pregnant women who were on flight, persons with immune system deficiencies or parents of infants up to the age of one year, are requested to contact the district health office in Jerusalem. Since the beginning of the year, 623 patients have been diagnosed with measles in Israel, an increase of hundreds of percent compared to last year. Earlier this week, YWN reported about the Menahel of Breslov Mosdos in Tzefas having been infected with the measles. He was listed in critical condition at the time of the news story. There have been dozens of stories published by YWN in the past few months of measles alerts issued by authorities involving Frum people who have not been vaccinated. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

TEHILLIM: Breslov Rav in Tzefas Hospitalized in Critical Condition with the Measles

October 8, 2018 9:20 am 16 Comments

Rabbi Chaim Koenig, the Menahel of mosdos Breslov in Tzefas, is hospitalized in Carmel Hospital in critical condition, diagnosed with the measles. According to the Ynet report, the rabbi contracted the measles following his return home to Israel from a visit to Uman. On Sunday, 28 Tishrei, the rabbi was placed on an ECMO machine which replaces heart/lung functions and transferred from Ziv Hospital to Carmel Hospital, where he remains in critical condition in an intensive care unit. Officials report he has a severe viral pneumonia which has resulted from the measles. Rabbi Koenig is a son of Rav Elazar Mordechai Kenig, Rov of the Breslov community in Tzefas. Israel’s Health Ministry recently released a warning that persons who traveled to Uman may have been infected with the measles, referring to passengers on both KLM and Air Ukraine airlines, urging them to get vaccinated. The illness appears to be making a return as there are many people who refuse to have their children vaccinated. According to the ministry, the most cases of measles this year is being reported in Petach Tikvah, with 53. Tzefas is next with 43 cases, followed by Tel Aviv with 22 and Jerusalem with 20. Please be Mispallel for Chaim Shalom ben Chaya bsoch sha’ar cholei yisrael. [ALERT – Measles Outbreak Among People Returning From Uman After Rosh Hashana] [ALERT – Israeli Traveller Prompts New Square Measles Alert; Newark Airport Also Exposed] (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Measles Case Confirmed in Rockland County

October 5, 2018 1:00 pm No Comments

[Spring Valley, New York, October 3, 2018]. On Motzei Shabbos Chol Hamoed Succos, Refuah Health Center (Refuah) treated a patient with a confirmed case of measles. The patient flew into New York from Israel early Friday morning. Measles is a highly contagious disease which manifests itself with a high fever and a splotchy rash. Refuah is leading the effort through multiple channels to contain an outbreak of this disease. On Wednesday, October 3, 2018, Refuah hosted a live teleconference with more than 260 participants in attendance in response to measles-related concerns raised by patients. Cathy Zikorus, Family Nurse Practitioner at Refuah Health Center, fielded questions from numerous callers regarding the disease and what can be done to prevent an outbreak. On Thursday, October 4, 2018, Refuah deployed two of its medical mobile units into Monsey and New Square, specifically to accommodate appointments for bochurim who were on their bein hazmanim schedule. Refuah urges all patients to check their medical records to ensure they and their families are properly immunized. Individuals who are not immunized or unsure of their vaccination history are urged to contact their primary care provider. An MMR vaccine provides the most effective protection against measles, even if administered up to 72 hours after exposure. When an individual receives the required two doses of the vaccine, they have greater than 97% protection from contracting the disease. Refuah is offering vaccinations at all of its locations. As always, keeping our community healthy is of foremost concern to Refuah. We will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates to the community as they are available. For the most up-to-date information, please visit Refuah’s website at www.refuahhealthcenter.com.

ALERT – Israeli Traveller Prompts New Square Measles Alert; Newark Airport Also Exposed

October 3, 2018 6:07 pm 4 Comments

The New York State Department of Health today announced that an international traveler from Israel who has been confirmed to have measles flew through Newark Liberty International Airport on September 28, 2018 and visited multiple venues in Rockland County, potentially exposing others to measles from September 28 to October 1. The Department is working closely with the New Jersey Department of Health to identify people who may have been exposed at Newark Liberty International Airport. The traveler arrived in Terminal B and may have traveled to other areas of the airport. Anyone who was in the airport on September 28 between 5:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. may have been exposed to measles, and if infected could develop symptoms as late as October 19. Anyone who visited the following locations in New Square, NY in Rockland County may have been exposed to measles: Bais Medrash of New Square, 11 Truman Ave, New Square Friday, 9/28, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, 9/29 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday, 9/30 between 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, 9/30 between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Sukkah adjacent to Avir Yakov Boys’ School, 766 N. Main St, New Square Friday, 9/28 between noon and 4 p.m. Saturday, 9/29 between 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Refuah Health Center,728 N. Main St, New Square Saturday, 9/29 between 11:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. Monday, 10/1 between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30p.m. These times reflect the period that the infected individual was in these areas and a two-hour period after the individual left the area, as the virus remains alive in air and on surfaces for up to two hours. 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 measles disease, or have a lab test confirming immunity. Individuals who are not immune to measles and were exposed are at risk for developing measles. All individuals who were exposed to measles, particularly those without immunity or who are not sure if they have been vaccinated, should contact their health care provider if they develop measles symptoms. 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. To prevent the spread of illness, the Department is advising individuals who may have been exposed and who have symptoms consistent with measles to contact their health care provider, a local clinic, or a local emergency department before going for care. This will help to prevent others at these facilities from being exposed to the illness. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people. People first develop a fever, then may have a cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by appearance of a rash. People are considered infectious from four days before to four days after the appearance of the rash. The single best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated. Individuals should receive two doses of MMR vaccine to be fully protected. If a person is unsure if they are immune they should contact their healthcare provider. Typically, the first dose of MMR

Doctors at Schneider Children’s Hospital in Petach Tikvah Working to Prevent Spread of Measles

October 2, 2018 3:24 am 1 Comment

Once again, officials at Schneider Children’s Hospital in Petach Tikvah are working to prevent the spread of measles. The Schneider Children’s Hospital in Petach Tikvah has notified the Ministry of Health that the parents of 76 children should be warned that they may have been exposed to measles in the hospital. The children last week were in the emergency room while a toddler with the illness was present, KAN Reshet Bet News reported on Tuesday morning, 23 Tishrei. The 13-month-old boy from Petach Tikvah, contracted the disease despite being vaccinated a few months ahead of a flight abroad to visit family. The child was to be vaccinated again as the vaccine is not too effective prior to age one. Last summer, a three-year-old boy was reported to have contracted measles. The boy suffers from a blood disease and was treated with a hemo-oncology unit at Schneider Children’s Hospital. The child was treated in a ward where children with cancer, whose immune system is weak, were hospitalized and it was feared that they contracted the illness due to their weakened immune system. The Ministry of Health called on anyone who had been in contact with the child in question in this latest case to be examined and given preventive treatment towards avoiding further infection of children with the illness, that could become dangerous in some cases. Written and published on Isru Chag Simchas Torah in Eretz Yisrael. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

ALERT – Measles Outbreak Among People Returning From Uman After Rosh Hashana

September 18, 2018 11:20 am 6 Comments

Israel’s Health Ministry is warning of a potential measles outbreak among people who returned from the Ukrainian city of Uman after Rosh Hashana last week, Times of Israel reported. The ministry says passengers traveling to Israel on three flights on September 12 were confirmed to have the measles, and warned that passengers on those flights were at risk of contracting the disease. The statement said passengers on Ukrainian Airways flights PS101 and 779 and KLM flight 461 should see a doctor immediately. The ministry said children, pregnant women and those suffering from auto-immune disorders were particularly susceptible to the disease. Last month, the Health Ministry reported a massive increase in the number of reported cases of measles in Israel this year. It said 262 reported cases of the measles had been reported since the start of 2018, compared to only nine in all of 2016, and 33 cases in 2017.

Israel: An Alarming Increase in Reported Cases of the Measles

August 26, 2018 12:30 pm No Comments

Amid concerns of Leptospirosis and West Nike virus, Israeli healthcare community officials are reporting a worrisome increase in the number of cases of the measles, which seems to continue spreading in the country. According to the Ministry of Health, there has been a major increase until the month of August as compared to recent years. According to the Health Ministry, from January to August 2018, there were 184 documented cases of measles nationwide, as compared to 16 cases in the same time period a year earlier. The city with the most cases is Petach Tikvah, with 53 reported cases. Tzefas is second with 47 cases, Tel Aviv third with 22, and Jerusalem with 20. It should be noted that these are minimal numbers, and it is estimated that most cases of measles are not reported to the Ministry of Health when it comes to mild cases. According to the World Health Organization, measles is also being reported in Europe, with at least 41,000 persons infected and 37 fatalities as a result. The highest number of cases was reported in Ukraine, with 23,000 cases. The most fatalities resulting from the illness is reported in Serbia, as 14 persons have died. Cases are reported in France, Greece, Italy, and Russia. The World Health Organization believes the spread of the disease is directly related to the increase in the number of persons who refuse to have their children vaccinated. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

ATTENTION ANTI-VAAXERS: 107 Measles Cases Confirmed Across 21 States; 1,200 Infected in Brazil, 6 Dead

August 18, 2018 10:20 pm 12 Comments

More than 100 cases of measles have been diagnosed this year in 21 states and the District of Columbia, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday. Most of the people who got measles had not been vaccinated, the CDC said. In Brazil, public health officials say more than 1,200 people have been infected in a growing measles outbreak linked to cases imported from neighboring Venezuela. The ministry said Tuesday that six people have died. To combat the measles outbreak, Brazil launched a campaign this month to vaccinate all children between ages 1 and 5. So far, the campaign has reached only around 16 percent of the target population. Measles is a contagious virus that spreads through the air via coughing and sneezing. Symptoms such as high fever, rash all over the body, stuffy nose and reddened eyes typically disappear without treatment within two or three weeks. Yet one or two out of every 1,000 children who get measles will die from complications, according to the CDC. From January 1 through July 14, the CDC recorded 107 measles patients living in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and the District of Columbia. The CDC’s 2018 midyear measles report appears high in comparison with recent years. In all of 2017, for example, 118 people from 15 states and DC had measles. In 2016, 86 people from 19 states had measles. The measles vaccine — known as the MMR or measles, mumps and rubella vaccine — is very effective. One dose is about 93% effective at preventing the contagious disease if you come into contact with the virus. Two doses are about 97% effective. It is recommended that children receive the vaccine in two doses: the first between the ages of 12 months and 15 months and the second between the ages of 4 and 6 years old. In Brazil, the infected people are concentrated in two states on Brazil’s border with Venezuela. Health services have collapsed in the neighboring country amid economic and political turmoil, and Venezuelan officials have been dealing with a measles outbreak since last year. More than 1 million people have fled Venezuela’s chaos, often carrying disease with them. (YWN / AP)

Brazil Tackles Measles Outbreak

August 7, 2018 8:00 am No Comments

Brazil’s health ministry launched a nationwide vaccination campaign on Monday to protect children from measles and poliomyelitis. The initiative follows a measles outbreak that has affected more than 1,000 people and killed five children, coming shortly after the disease was eradicated in 2016. Health officials also worry that polio may return to Latin America’s largest nation. The measles cases are mostly concentrated in northern states of Amazonas and Roraima where thousands of Venezuelan refugees are crossing the border to flee economic and political hardships, as well as a failing health system. Many of them are sick and haven’t been immunized. “If our population in the north, which welcomed such a large group of Venezuelans, had been vaccinated, we wouldn’t be dealing with an outbreak right now,” said Isabella Ballalai, president of the Brazilian Society of Immunization. “We’d be dealing with a minor problem.” That was the case from 2000 to 2013, when most Brazilians were protected against the disease, and stopped any imported measles viruses from spreading. But last year, only 70 percent of the population received both doses of measles vaccinations. In the states with the most critical situation, the Ministry of Health has already been giving out free shots in clinics and home visits since July. Now it wants to go back to full coverage on a national level: The goal is to vaccinate at least 95 percent of children aged 1 to 5 by the end of the month. The Ministry of Health has been advertising the campaign for weeks, and even recruited popular children’s entertainer Xuxa – known as the “queen of the little ones” in Brazil – to be the celebrity spokesperson. On the first day of the campaign, lines at Rio de Janeiro health clinics were relatively short. There are only 14 confirmed measles cases in the region, but some families ventured into the rain to make sure their children were protected. The 34-year-old teacher Michelle Souza brought her 2-year-old son Morilo to a center in Cidade de Deus in western Rio. “I got really worried because it’s been a while since we heard anything about measles. And now the disease is spreading in some regions,” she told The Associated Press. On the other side of the city, Ednea Fernandes, a 39-year-old seamstress, brought her son to the immunization clinic in Botafogo even though the 5-year-old had already gotten all his shots. “I’ve always careful. But with this measles outbreak on the news, I’ve been especially vigilant,” she said. “They said I could take my son home.” Turnout in the beginning of vaccination campaigns is often low in Brazil, but Ballalai hopes that awareness about the outbreak will keep growing, and that families will take their children to get vaccinated. On Aug. 18, the high point of the campaign, more than 36,000 clinics will be open. “In previous campaigns, there wasn’t necessarily that call to save your child. So people didn’t show up,” she said. “This time we’re calling out: Come save your child. Come save Brazil from measles.” (AP)

ATTENTION ANTI-VAAXERS: Measles Infects More Than 1,000 In Brazil; 5 Reported Deaths

August 3, 2018 2:45 pm 7 Comments

Brazil’s Health Ministry says more than 1,000 people have been infected and five have died in a measles outbreak linked to cases imported from neighboring Venezuela. The ministry says on its website that 1,053 cases of the disease have been reported so far this year. All but 31 of these cases have been registered in the northern jungle states of Amazonas and Roraima that share borders with Venezuela, where health services have collapsed amid political and economic turmoil. Four died in Roraima and one in Amazonas. Hardships in Venezuela have sent more than 1 million people fleeing to neighboring countries, sometimes bringing diseases with them. Measles spreads through the air and is highly contagious, though a vaccine against it is very effective. Brazil is ramping up vaccination efforts. (AP)

ANTI-VAAXERS: Israel Health Officials Concerned With Reported Cases Of Measles In Tzefas

June 26, 2018 4:30 pm 3 Comments

Israel health officials have been alerted to cases of measles that have been diagnosed in the northern city of Tzefas, primarily in the chareidi community. According to reports, the Health Ministry received reports of cases, most among chareidi children, who have since been in contact with members of the population. In the city’s Rebecca Ziv Hospital, a 7-year-old chareidi boy was admitted due to the seriousness of his condition. He remains in isolation. Health officials feel that in all likelihood, these cases could have been avoided in the parents had their children vaccinated as recommended by the ministry. The ministry is now calling on the non-vaccinated population to expeditiously have their children vaccinated as the illness is spreading. Children from 1-to-6-years-old will receive one dose and from six upward, two doses of the vaccine. “We hope that the leaders of the communities will send a strong message on the subject, and there is no reason for this disease to make a comeback,” says a senior health official in Tzefas. As for the measles symptoms and the risk of this disease, the head of the Pediatric Department at Ziv Prof. Anthony Luder explains: “Measles causes immediate and delayed complications, which are high fever lasting between one and two weeks, respiratory problems, pneumonia, and eye inflammation all over the body.” “The disease can develop into oxygen failure and death, and later complications, sometimes years after the disease, is a degeneration of the brain that causes untreated dementia,” the professor emphasizes. “Parents must follow the instructions of the Ministry of Health and the Israeli and International Medical Association, to vaccinate against measles at the age of one year, and if the children were not vaccinated in time, to go to the HMOs and vaccinate, parents should not take so much responsibility for the fate and health of their children.” Professor Luder also noted that in 1994, anti-vaccine activist Dr. Andrew Wakesfield published a fraudulent paper claiming a link between the administration of the MMR vaccine and autism. The doctor’s license to practice medicine was revoked. There are still parents who do not vaccinate their children despite the danger of contracting the illness. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

Health Ministry Warns Residents Of Yishuv Itamar They May Be Forced To Vaccinate Against Measles

May 30, 2018 7:30 pm 1 Comment

Due to the fear of measles, the Ministry of Health is threatening residents of Itamar that if they refuse to be vaccinated, they will be forcibly vaccinated. “The outbreak of measles has increased significantly in the last few days among the residents of Itamar,” said Dr. Eran Kopel, a doctor at Petah Tikvah’s Health Ministry, who wrote to the head of the Shomron Regional Council, “To date, we have confirmed six cases among the 1,200 residents of the community”. “I hereby declare that every infant and child between the ages of 6 months and 18 years of age is required to complete the routine vaccination against measles as soon as possible, in the well-being (Tipat Chalav) clinic or in the Health Bureau,” added Dr. Kopel. According to the law in every city or village a contagious disease may become an epidemic, the Health Ministry has the authority to demand that the residents be vaccinated against their will in order to protect the citizens and prevent infection, and that a person who objects to the vaccination risks paying a fine of more than NIS 14,000 or a month in prison. Shomron Regional Council officials add, “The importance of protecting the health of the public, the children and the infants, is of paramount importance to us, and therefore, although this is not the role of the Council, according to our knowledge, an absolute majority of residents of Itamar are vaccinated and not as the letter sent.” It was also written that the draconian letter addressed to the residents by the Ministry of Health – and soon thereafter disseminated to the media – contains nothing but a cheap prank on the backs of the residents of Itamar. “We expect the Ministry of Health, which is in charge of the issue, to act to stop the outbreak of the disease and not to be satisfied with writing letters and interviews to the media.” “The council will continue to work in cooperation with the Ministry of Health to ensure the health of its residents, and calls upon the Ministry of Health to stop the outbreak of the disease immediately.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

New York, New Jersey Warn Of Measles Exposure, Including At Newark Airport

May 12, 2018 9:42 pm No Comments

The following is via ABC7NY: Health officials are warning residents in both New York and New Jersey of potential measles exposure. Two people with measles may have exposed several others throughout New Jersey, including at Newark Liberty International Airport. In two unrelated incidents, a person with measles stopped briefly in New Jersey on April 30 while on a tour bus traveling from Niagara Falls, New York, to Washington. D.C. In a second incident, a Bergen County resident developed measles after contact with an international traveler who was ill with the measles. The New Jersey Department of Health recommends that anyone who visited the locations listed below during the dates/times listed, contact a health provider immediately to discuss potential exposure and risk of developing the illness. Exposed individuals could develop symptoms as late as May 23. Anyone who visited the following locations may have been exposed to measles: -Towne Centre at Englewood apartments, 20 W Palisade Ave, Englewood, NJ 07631 April 24 – May 2 – any time -Renaissance Office Center, 15 Engle St, Englewood, NJ 07631 April 30, between 1 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. -Newark Liberty International Airport, Terminal C May 2, between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. -Columbia Travel Center, I-80 at Rt. 94, 2 Simpson Rd, Columbia, NJ 07832 April 30, between 9:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. The Orange County Department of Health is also advising residents of a potential exposure at a Monroe medical facility on April 29. Residents who visited the medical officer of Dr. Vladimir Zelenko on Route 17M between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or anyone who was in the lobby around the first and second floor or at BioReference Laboratory in the building between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. may have been exposed to measles. If you have been exposed, you are at risk if you have not been vaccinated or have not had measles. Measles symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. It can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Experts warn measles infection in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby. Measles is easily spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person. Source: ABC7NY

ALERT – Travelers At Newark Airport May Have Been Exposed To Measles

March 15, 2018 11:30 pm No Comments

New Jersey health officials are warning travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport that they may have been exposed to the measles virus. The state Department of Health says a young child carrying the disease arrived in the airport Monday from Brussels and later departed for Memphis. Health officials warn people could develop symptoms as late as April 2. New Jersey residents who may have been exposed on the child’s flight will be contacted by their local health departments. Officials recommend contacting a health care provider if one develops possible symptoms. Measles is a highly contagious disease with symptoms that include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. The warning comes just a few months after another measles warning at Newark’s airport. (AP)

PHOTOS: Measles Outbreak In Ukraine As Rosh Hashanah Approaches

August 28, 2017 10:30 pm 1 Comment

(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE) Ichud Breslov is busy preparing for Rosh Hashanah, which is by far the busiest time of year at the tziyun of Rav Nachman of Breslov ZT”L. Recently, there has been an outbreak of measles in the Ukraine. The Ukrainian Health Ministry reported that in the past month, they have registered about 700 patients and hundreds of unregistered cases too. In a conversation with the director of the Breslov Uman Clinic, epidemiologist Dr. Kivaytai, and with health experts in Israel’s Ministry of Health, they too have been apprised of the measles situation in Ukraine. Anyone born in Israel from 1970 onwards has been vaccinated. There is no need for an additional vaccine. Anyone born before 1957 was also immunized. Anyone born between 1957 and 1970 should be vaccinated at a Health Ministry clinic before traveling to Umnan. One may make an appointment in advance by dialing *5400, ‘star’ and then 400. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Ichud Breslov, Uman)

Measles Diagnosed In Women In Jerusalem

June 5, 2017 4:30 pm 2 Comments

Israel’s Ministry of Health in recent weeks received reports of five cases of measles in women between the ages of 20 and 40, all in the capital. There are no other reports of measles elsewhere. The Health Ministry called on persons who haven’t yet vaccinated, to do so, adding one will require it prior to flying abroad. According to the Ministry, there have been 6,000 documented measles cases in European nations since the beginning of 2017. The Ministry notification has resulted in a sharp increase in the number of Israelis seeking to be vaccinated in recent days. Some hospitals, including Ichilov in Tel Aviv, is using its Facebook page to inform the public it has run out of vaccines for the time being. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Emergency Teleconference Convened In Response To Measles Outbreak In Los Angeles Jewish Community

January 18, 2017 6:00 pm 5 Comments

An emergency teleconference was convened last week by Rabbi Hershy Z. Ten, (President of Bikur Cholim in Los Angeles) in response to a recent measles outbreak that originated in the Los Angeles, Jewish community. As of today, there are 17 confirmed cases of measles in Los Angeles County. More than 70 Jewish day school faculty and synagogue rabbis throughout Greater Los Angeles called in to the live forum to learn about the threat measles poses, as well as address the legality of Jewish day-schools and synagogues to create polices that go beyond the current vaccination legislation which requires all students to be vaccinated regardless of their personal beliefs. “We are urging our schools and synagogues to immediately implement new policies for 2017 that will prevent any children who aren’t immunized due to personal beliefs from attending a school or playgroup,” Rabbi Ten stated. He further added, “On this issue we must remain resolute in our unwavering dedication to protect the most vulnerable among us from falling prey to an avoidable tragedy.” The teleconference featured an acclaimed panel of nationally recognized leaders in pediatrics, public health, and constitutional law featuring Erwin Chemerinsky (Dean and Distinguished Professor of Law at UC Irvine School of Law), Franklin Pratt, MD (Medical Director for the Los Angeles Department of Public Health Immunization Program), Dr. Richard Pan (California State Senator, District 6), and Robert Adler, MD (Chief Medical Officer, CHLA Health System at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles). Dr. Adler, who also served as moderator, explained how non-immunized and infected children can present devastating consequences to fellow students suffering from immunosuppression due to various diagnoses such as cancer, as well as addressed how aggressively measles attacks the most vulnerable population. Dr. Pratt pointed out that in addition to being extremely contagious, the measles virus behaves as if it is actively searching out the susceptible individuals to infect and that we need 97% – 99% of the population to be vaccinated or have natural immunity; this is referred to as “herd immunity”, which helps to protect the 3% of those who cannot be immunized due to medical reasons. Dr. Richard Pan spoke about SB 277, the California law he coauthored requiring all children entering kindergarten to be vaccinated with a follow-up confirmation at 7th grade. Most enlightening, were Dean Chemerinsky’s comments unequivocally stating, “There’s absolutely nothing in the law that prevents a school from setting a strict policy with regard to requiring vaccinations and excluding those who have not been vaccinated. I don’t think it’s any problem to do that in the middle of the year, either; especially in light of a measles outbreak.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

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