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Rockland County Health Department Advises Residents of Recent Rise in Measles Cases Across the United States

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NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day advises residents to stay protected from measles as new cases are surfacing across the country. “As the disease spreads in the US, we are taking proactive measures to prevent Rockland County from enduring a repeat of the measles outbreak in 2018, when measles surfaced and a total of 312 cases were confirmed,” said County Executive Ed Day.

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses on earth; 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus become infected. You can catch measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been, up to 2 hours after that person is gone. You can catch measles from an infected person even before they have a measles rash. Symptoms include a fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes), or runny nose. Symptoms usually appear 10-12 days after exposure but may appear as early as 7 days and as late as 21 days after exposure.

The Rockland County Department of Health’s Immunization Action Program (IAP) is in regular communication with the New York State Department of Health to ensure vaccine compliance with the NYSDOH Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance. The RCDOH additionally acquired a mobile vaccination unit through grant funds in addition to an inflatable 2-lane trailer that will both be utilized for vaccinations.

“We continue to urge residents to check their immunization status and get vaccinated if they are unimmunized. We can prevent cases of measles by keeping up-to-date with vaccinations. The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the only safe and effective way to prevent the measles. Anyone who is not protected, through past infection or vaccination, is at risk of getting the disease, especially when traveling internationally,” said Maria Souto, MPH, Coordinator of Communicable Disease for the Rockland County Department of Health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging health care providers to be “on alert” for patients with symptoms of measles — a virus declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 — after 9 cases have been reported across the country since the start of the new year; so far in four states – Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Individuals are considered protected or immune to measles if they were born before 1957, have received two doses of MMR vaccine, or had measles with a lab test confirming immunity. Individuals who are not immune to measles and are exposed are at great risk for developing measles. Speak to your health care provider to determine if you need an MMR vaccination.

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Rockland County Honors Outstanding Nurses with Distinguished Service Awards

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May is traditionally the month when nurses are recognized worldwide, in part because May 12 is the birthday of Florence Nightingale. She professionalized nursing roles for women and is known as the founder of modern nursing.

In celebration of National Nurses Month, Rockland County Legislature Vice Chair Dr. Aney Paul, a longtime nurse herself, presented the Distinguished Service Award— the Legislature’s highest honor— to three exceptional nurses: Glenn Albin, Dr. Gaelle Duvivier, and Mary Laiju Shine Kelanthara. These honorees were recognized for their professional excellence and dedicated community service.

  • Glenn Albin transitioned from accounting to healthcare, serving as a paramedic and emergency room nurse for over four decades. He mentors new nurses and teaches advanced life support, while actively participating in the Knights of Columbus and South Orangetown Ambulance Corps.

  • Dr. Gaelle Duvivier, a Certified Nurse Midwife and educator, works with New York Presbyterian and SUNY Rockland. She advocates for women’s health, leads health fairs, and researches ways to improve breastfeeding and reduce health disparities.

  • Mary Laiju Shine Kelanthara, with 28 years of nursing experience, serves as an Infection Control Nurse at HVDDSO. She’s also a passionate volunteer, fundraiser, church educator, and South Indian TV actress.

Dr. Paul praised the honorees for making “a positive difference every day” in the lives of Rockland County residents.

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Government

Free Breast Cancer Screening Montefiore Nyack Hospital May 9th

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Montefiore Nyack Hospital is offering free breast cancer screenings on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Breast Center. These screenings are available to uninsured women aged 40 and over who meet eligibility requirements. The event is funded by the Cancer Services Program of the Hudson Valley and Montefiore Nyack Hospital. Spanish-speaking assistance is available. 

The Breast Center at Montefiore Nyack Hospital offers 3D digital mammography, which can detect up to 41% more invasive breast cancers. The center has been granted a three-year/full accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) and is designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

For more information about the services provided at The Breast Center at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, To register and check eligibility, call 845-348-8511 or visit montefiorenyack.org/breast-center

 

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