Share
NEW YORK — New York City declared a public health emergency Tuesday over a measles outbreak and ordered mandatory vaccinations in one neighborhood for people who may have been exposed to the virus.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the unusual order amid what he said was a measles “crisis” in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg section, where more than 250 people, mostly members of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish religious community, have gotten measles since September.
The declaration requires all unvaccinated people who may have been exposed to the virus to get the vaccine, including children over 6 months old.
People who ignore the order could be fined $1,000. The city said it would help everyone covered by the order get the vaccine if they can’t get it quickly through their regular medical provider.
“If people will simply cooperate quickly, nobody will have to pay a fine,” de Blasio said.
Measles Cases Have Been Confirmed in New York City
New York City’s health commissioner is empowered by law to issue such orders in cases where they might be necessary to protect against a serious public health threat.
Earlier this week, the city ordered religious schools and day care programs serving that community to exclude unvaccinated students or risk being closed down.
Officials say 285 measles cases have been confirmed in New York City since the beginning of the outbreak, the largest in the city since 1991.
New York City accounted for about two-thirds of all U.S. measles cases reported last week.
Another Jewish religious community, north of the city but with close ties to Brooklyn, has also seen a surge, with at least 166 cases since October. Last week, a state judge blocked an attempt by Rockland County officials to halt the spread of measles by banning unvaccinated children from public places.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children get two doses of measles vaccine. It says the vaccine is 97% effective.
AI ‘Friend’ for Public School Students Falls Flat
20 hours ago
Progressive Icon and Ex-US Rep. Barbara Lee Wins Race for Mayor of Oakland
2 days ago
Humanoid Robots Run a Chinese Half-Marathon Alongside Human Competitors
2 days ago
Anti-Trump Protesters Turn Out to Rallies Across Country
2 days ago
Thousands Gather in London for Trans Rights Following UK Ruling Over Definition of Woman
2 days ago
250 Years After America Went to War for Independence, a Divided Nation Battles Over Its Legacy
2 days ago
Chargers in Need of Help at Wide Receiver and Tight End in the NFL Draft
19 hours ago
Categories


Chargers in Need of Help at Wide Receiver and Tight End in the NFL Draft

Big Fresno Fair Board Will Be Led by an American Sikh for 1st Time

AI ‘Friend’ for Public School Students Falls Flat

Progressive Icon and Ex-US Rep. Barbara Lee Wins Race for Mayor of Oakland

Humanoid Robots Run a Chinese Half-Marathon Alongside Human Competitors
