NYC orders mandatory vaccination amid measles outbreak, people who resist could be fined $1,000
New York City has declared a public health emergency over a measles outbreak and has ordered mandatory vaccinations for some people who may have been exposed to the virus.
Mayor Bill de Blasio, on Tuesday, announced the order for mandatory vaccinations, which covers people who live in four ZIP codes in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood, where more than 250 people have contracted measles since September.
The declaration requires all unvaccinated people in those areas who may have been exposed to the virus to get the vaccine, including children over 6 months old. People who resist being vaccinated could be fined $1,000.
The outbreak has been centered in Williamsburg's large community of Orthodox Jews.
The city, earlier this week, ordered religious schools and day care programs serving that community to exclude unvaccinated students or risk being closed down.
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) official, while talking to MEA Worldwide (MEAWW), on the virus outbreak in the city said that state and local health departments have the lead in investigating the measles cases and the outbreak in the region. "Health departments implement control measures in response to outbreaks according to state laws."
The official added that the preventive measure which can be taken to curb the rapid spread of the outbreak is to "ensure that everyone at risk for infection is protected against measles through vaccination. "
"MMR vaccine provides the safest, long-lasting protection against measles. Those sick with measles should stay at home for at least 4 days after developing the rash. Staying home is an important way to not spread measles to other people. They should talk to their doctor to discuss when it is safe to resume contact with other people," the health official said.
Certain other measures which can be undertaken to prevent the infection include covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put the used tissue in the trash can, washing your hands often with soap and water, avoiding sharing drinks or eating utensils and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, tables, counters.
With AP inputs