After Two Months, Authorities Successfully Contain Measles Outbreak In Borough Park

The rare outbreak of measles that struck Borough Park’s ultra-Orthodox community has been halted. The Jewish Daily Forward is reporting that officials at the city’s Department of Health have confirmed that the spread of the viral infection has been contained.

Previously, we had reported on the measles outbreak striking this past May as 20 cases were noted in Borough Park and one in Williamsburg. The outbreak was believed to be traced back to a family visiting from the Orthodox community in London, England. The outbreak began to spread also in part because of more lax health regulations at yeshivas that don’t have strict vaccine requirements for children.

The outbreak continued to grow in May as the number of cases jumped to 34. Now, health officials have noted that the number of infected people has peaked at 58 after the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene worked with yeshivas and community groups to bring vaccinations to the neighborhood.

Assemblyman Simcha Felder released the following statement on the end of the otubreak.

While I am delighted that the measles outbreak in Borough Park and Williamsburg has been contained, we cannot allow ourselves to be lulled into a false sense of security. This disease can quickly and easily be transmitted again.

Now is the time to be proactive and ensure that anyone who still has not been immunized gets the proper vaccinations. Those who remain unvaccinated continue to pose a great health risk to their family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

Measles, mumps and rubella are very preventable diseases. If you have questions or concerns about immunizations, please contact my office at 718-253-2015 for assistance.