New York Measles Outbreak Exceeds 126 Cases as Unreported Infections Spread in Unvaccinated Communities
Updated
Updated · Gothamist · Oct 14
New York Measles Outbreak Exceeds 126 Cases as Unreported Infections Spread in Unvaccinated Communities
3 articles · Updated · Gothamist · Oct 14
Summary
Otsego and Seneca county health officials said New York’s measles outbreak is larger than the state’s 126 confirmed cases through Oct. 10 because many infections in upstate communities are never formally reported.
Eight new cases were added last week, but local officials said household clusters, reluctant cooperation and rapid spread in low-vaccination enclaves mean official counts can lag well behind reality.
About two-thirds of confirmed cases were in unvaccinated adults, state Health Commissioner James McDonald said earlier; Otsego reported all 21 logged cases in unvaccinated people, mostly adults.
Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency last week, and the state says it has given more than 1,200 MMR shots in rural areas since July while counties expand door-to-door and at-home vaccination.
Officials have avoided naming Amish communities directly, though local health workers and advocates say Amish, Mennonite and other under-immunized groups are among those at higher risk as legal challenges to school vaccine rules continue.