Measles in New York

We aren't hearing much about measles this year, but it is important to remember that it hasn't gone away.

The new case of measles in New York is a good reminder.

The Dutchess County Department of Health issued a measles alert this week and announced that they have a confirmed case of measles in a student at Mountain Laurel Waldorf School, a growing worldwide association of schools, in New Paltz, New York. This would be the 51st case of the year.

They also state that "a number of students at this school were not vaccinated and may become ill and put other children and families at risk for contracting measles."

The health department also advises that anyone who "has visited this school since September 10th or has had any contact with anyone from this school should immediately make sure that they are up to date with their measles vaccinations." As the Mountain Laurel Waldorf School is "located a short walk from the village center, with its shops and library, SUNY New Paltz, and the beautiful Wallkill River," that could be a lot of people.

No word yet on the vaccination status of the index case or how he or she might have contracted measles. If it is like most other cases though, it is an unvaccinated child who recently traveled overseas.

Related:
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
Measles Outbreaks 2012
Measles Symptoms
Avoiding Measles