The cases are almost exclusively among Orthodox Jewish communities, which often do not receive vaccinations for measles.
New Jersey health officials have reported 33 measles cases driven by similar conditions, and last year, New York and New Jersey accounted for over half the measles cases in the U.S.
To help curb the outbreak, health officials started an effort to increase vaccination rates, but the outbreak is not over yet.
Part of the problem has been resistance among some people in Orthodox neighborhoods to fully cooperate with health workers, receive vaccinations and promptly report infections, according to health officials.
Some religious schools in Orthodox communities had vaccination rates as low as 60 percent, significantly lower than the state average of 92.5 percent, said Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, DO, health commissioner of Rockland County, N.Y. Audits also revealed some schools overreported vaccination rates.
Although there have been no deaths in the outbreak, several young children required hospitalization.
More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:
1 in 4 antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary, study finds
Second lawsuit filed against Ohio health system, physician charged with ordering fatal pain med doses
American College of Physicians publishes ethics manual: 5 notes on genetic testing
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.