The measles outbreak in New York City has reached 25 cases.
Credit: New York City Health Department
A measles outbreak in New York City has grown to 25 confirmed cases, including three new cases on the Lower East Side, the Health Department announced on Tuesday.
A total of 12 children and 13 adults have contracted the disease since February. The previous cases were reported in northern Manhattan, the Bronx and Brooklyn.
Health officials are urging all New Yorkers to ensure that they are vaccinated, including young children ages 12 months and older.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily through the air, according to the Health Department. Anyone who suspects that they might have measles should call his or her medical provider immediately.
“I strongly advise all urgent care centers, emergency departments, and clinics to educate your staff about measles and ensure that all patients who may have measles are immediately isolated,” said Health Commissioner Mary Bassett in a statement.
As many as one in three people with measles develop complications, health officials said. These complications can be very serious and include pneumonia, miscarriage, brain inflammation, hospitalization and even death.
More information is available on the Health Department’s website.
