Health officials have issued warnings over a measles outbreak across New York state with at least 17 cases reported. Six children in Brooklyn have been diagnosed with the highly contagious disease. NBC New York reports that some of the infected most likely picked up measles during travel to Israel. There were also 11 cases reported in Rockland County in upstate New York. Earlier this year, a widespread outbreak of measles infected 21 states and the District of Columbia. The US has been functionally free of measles since 2000, but it’s still possible for an unvaccinated person to bring the disease home from another country. Five of the New York children were unvaccinated, NBC reported. Four of those children were too young to receive the vaccine, and one had only received the first of two shots of the MMR vaccine. What are the symptoms? The symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, rash, runny nose, and watery eyes, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Measles sometimes develop into more serious conditions like ear infections and diarrhoea. CDC reports that one out of 20 children who contracts measles will get pneumonia, some of whom die from the disease. About one in 1,000 children will develop encephalitis, or brain swelling. Sometimes, a swollen brain can leave a patient brain-damaged or deaf. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil.<doc-sep>ROCKLAND COUNTY, New York (WABC) -- The Department of Health has announced additional measles cases linked to international travelers returning from Israel in Rockland County and in New York City.Rockland now has seven total confirmed cases of measles from three different groups who traveled to Israel. Of those cases, two are secondary, meaning they originated from exposure occurring in Rockland. Meanwhile, six cases of measles were confirmed this month in the Orthodox Jewish community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.Officials say the initial case of measles was acquired by a child on a visit to Israel. The individuals with measles range in age from 11 months to 4 years, and five of the children were unvaccinated prior to exposure.One child was hospitalized with pneumonia, while another child had an ear infection.More cases increase the potential for further exposure, and health officials recommend that residents make sure they and their families are up-to-date on their measles vaccinations.Israel is currently experiencing a high number of measles cases. In the most recent data compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO), 339 cases have been reported in Israel from March through August of 2018.A measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine clinic for those who are not immune to measles will be held on Thursday, October 18, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Community Outreach Center located at 21 Remsen Avenue in Monsey.For those who believe they may have been exposed and have further questions, a toll-free hotline has been established: 1-888-364-4837. The hotline is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.The first case of international travel was in late September, and two more cases due to separate international travelers in early October are leading to more potential cases of measles among non-immune residents.Symptoms include a fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis or runny nose, and they could appear 10 to 12 days after exposure.The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.To prevent the spread of illness, health officials are advising individuals who may have been exposed and who have symptoms consistent with measles to contact their health care provider, a local clinic, or a local emergency department before going for care.----------<doc-sep>
NEW SQUARE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — The New York City Health Department was on high alert Wednesday after at least 17 people tested positive for measles in the Tri-State area. On Wednesday, Rockland County health officials said there were 11 confirmed and three suspected cases being investigated involving a mix of adults and children. Rockland County Commissioner of Health Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert said children who have had their first MMR vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella before 15 months don’t need to wait until age 4 for their second MMR as is typical. Children can get it as soon as 28 days after first shot, and parents should to talk to pediatricians. A synagogue, a yeshiva and a health center in the Hasidic village of New Square are all listed as places visited by someone sick with measles, putting others at risk. The virus lives for about two hours after an infected person contaminates the air or a surface by coughing or sneezing. MORE: Traveler May Have Exposed N.Y. And N.J. Residents To Measles Health officials have said anyone at the following locations in Rockland, Westchester and Bergen counties may have been exposed to the measles: Congregation Bais Elazer in Monsey, N.Y. on Oct. 4 Mia’s Reflexology in New City, N.Y. on Oct. 4 Lifetime Gym in Montvale, N.J. on Oct. 5 Wesley Kosher in Monsey N.Y. on Oct. 5 Congregation Borov in Monsey, N.Y. on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6 Costco in Nanuet, N.Y. on Oct. 7 Care 365 in Monsey, N.Y. on Oct. 8 Westchester Medical Center’s Emergency Room in Valhalla, N.Y. on Oct. 11 “People are very scared about it. They are trying to the best what they can,” one man said. “If there’s any problem they’re taking now precautions. They are taking in the community strong precautions and I think it’s at a good level.” Similarly, the New York City Department of Health warned the Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn after six children contracted the disease this month. City officials say those diagnosed are between 11-months and four-years-old. Two of them were hospitalized with complications from pneumonia and an ear infection. Officials say one of the children visited Israel. Gary Schlesinger of Parcare Community Health Network says he’s now getting calls from worried parents. “They’re basically calling to check on records to make sure they’re compliant with all the vaccinations recommended by government,” he said. The so-called “MMR” vaccine is very effective — and the vast majority of Americans are immunized as children. Rockland County is urging those who’ve not received the vaccine to do so. “Even adults can be vaccinated. They have to take two doses of MMR vaccine, which is about 28 days apart,” said Dr. Rebecca Varghese, medical director at Lifeline Urgent Care. The city says six of the children infected had not been vaccinated. The sixth had one dose, but was not yet immune. City health officials will be handing out informational fliers in the neighborhood, and will be meeting with rabbis and elected officials to help spread awareness. In Rockland County, officials will offer a measles vaccine clinic on Thursday in Monsey and on Friday in Nanuet. The classic symptoms of the measles include an unpleasant red rash, fever, runny nose, red eyes, sensitivity to light and coughing. The virus can live up to two hours on a surface.