DPHO Advisory for Measles Outbreak

There has been ongoing measles transmission among the Orthodox Jewish communities in Borough Park and Williamsburg, according to the Brooklyn District Public Health Office of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  

In an email letter, the District Office has advised: As of today, June 28, 2013, there have been a total of 57 cases identified:  29 in Williamsburg, and 28 in Borough Park. The most recent case was sick on June 6, 2013, in Williamsburg. And as the transmission ensued, cases had been occurring in younger children.  

None of the cases had documented vaccination at the time of exposure, because they were too young to have been vaccinated or because their parents delayed or refused vaccine for their children.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene continues to work with pediatricians in the affected neighborhoods to ensure that young children are fully vaccinated and protected. We have also been placing ads in the local newspaper to inform the community about the outbreak and about appropriate actions to take.

During this outbreak, to interrupt the spread of measles in this community, NYC DOHMH recommends that the first dose of measles-mumps-rubella-vaccine (MMR) now be given at 6 months of age to all Orthodox Jewish children living in Borough Park, Williamsburg, and Crown Heights.  

Although cases of measles have not yet been identified in Crown Heights, the department is extending this recommendation to this community to prevent introduction of measles. 

Further, non-Orthodox children receiving medical care in practices that serve predominantly Orthodox Jewish patients, should also receive MMR vaccine beginning at 6 months of age because of the increased risk of exposure.

In the setting of this outbreak, Orthodox Jewish children aged 12 months and older living in Borough Park, Williamsburg, and Crown Heights who have received their first dose of MMR should receive their second MMR dose now, as long as 28 days have elapsed after the first dose. This second dose will be considered valid and will count toward the school immunization requirements.

Vaccination at an earlier age is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for outbreak control when many cases are occurring among infants younger than 12 months of age.

For more information, please speak with your health professional or call 311.

Aletha Maybank, MD, MPH | Assistant Commissioner
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Brooklyn District Public Health Office