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

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1 year ago

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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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Flags To Be Flown at Half-Staff Across New York State on Monday, June 16 in Honor of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman

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2 days ago

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June 16, 2025

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ALBANY, NY – Governor Hochul today directed that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, who passed away during the politically targeted shootings in Minnesota on June 14. Flags will be at half-staff Monday, June 16.

“I join the State of Minnesota, family and loved ones in mourning the horrific loss of Representative Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman, and I am directing flags to be flown at half-staff in New York to honor Mr. and Ms. Hortman,” Governor Hochul said. “We should be settling our political differences in civil means — like at the ballot box — because violence is never the answer.” said Governor Hochul.

Congressman Mike Lawler

Assemblyman Patrick Carroll said “I am horrified by the murder of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the attempted murder of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, by the same perpetrator.

Any elected official enters public service to share our voice in government and advocate for our neighbors and the community. While disagreements and opposition to our positions is expected – never should any public servant be the target of violence or threats of violence. Our families sacrifice time with us as we do our governmental work but never themselves should worry that our service is putting them in harms way.

My heart is with the Hartman and Hoffman families. Be safe everyone.”

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Government

New York State Senate Unanimously Passes Senator Weber’s Bill to Expand Trade Union Recruitment in High Schools

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3 days ago

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June 16, 2025

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Nanuet, NY – In a major step toward expanding career opportunities for students across New York State, the Senate has unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Senator Bill Weber (Senate Bill S5675), which empowers trade unions to conduct recruiting presentations in high schools. The bill, which passed with bipartisan support, is being sponsored in the Assembly by Labor Committee Chair Assemblyman Harry Bronson.

Under current law, trade unions have limited access to high school students to share information about apprenticeships and career paths in the trades. Senator Weber’s legislation changes that by allowing trade unions—when invited by school administrators—to speak directly with students, distribute materials, and explain the benefits of union-supported career training and employment.

The bill will help address workforce shortages in critical sectors while providing students with a clearer understanding of all post-graduation options—including those that do not involve student debt.

“This legislation is about expanding horizons for our students,” said Senator Weber. “College is one path, but not the only one. Trade unions offer well-paying careers with benefits, security, and a future. Our young people deserve to hear about every opportunity available to them.”

Residents and advocates are encouraged to contact Speaker Carl Heastie’s office at 518-455-3791 and urge him to advance Assembly Bill A03734 to the floor for a vote.

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