NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The New York Health Department says it has identified 11 cases of measles in Brooklyn over the past two months, and is urging doctors to be vigilant and promptly report suspected cases to the agency.
Officials say nearly all the known cases occurred in children who were not vaccinated. Measles is not common in New York City, but it is highly contagious.
"Children should be vaccinated against measles at one year of age," said Dr. Jane R. Zucker, the Health Department's assistant commissioner for immunization. "Vaccinating eligible children will protect them and help protect infants who are too young to be vaccinated, by reducing their risk of exposure. Delaying a child's vaccination increases the risk of contracting measles and infecting others."
Measles can cause fever, rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. Other complications such as diarrhea, ear infection or pneumonia may also develop with the disease.
Younger children, and those with weakened immune systems, are the most likely to suffer severe illness.
The health department warns people who contract the measles virus can spread the infection for five days before developing a rash, and for four days after the rash sets in.
Measles vaccination is required for admission to the city's schools, colleges and daycare centers.
The health department says the first measles vaccine dose should be given at the time of the child's first birthday, with the second dose being administered at 4 to 6 years of age.
In New York City, approximately 92% of children between the ages of 19 and 35 months have received a measles vaccine, according to the health department.
For more information on Measles, please visit the Health Department's web site at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/imm/immmea.shtml.
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