NYC: Measles outbreak in Orthodox Williamsburg stems from unvaccinated children
Some Ultra-Orthodox Jews Refuse to Immunize
New York City Health Department officials met with rabbis and elected officials in Williamsburg on Thursday after six children in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community were diagnosed with measles.
The highly contagious disease, which causes fever and a rash from head to toe, has been nearly eradicated in the U.S. but still exists in other countries. Young children, the immunocompromised and non-immune pregnant women are at highest risk for severe complications, including pneumonia, brain damage, deafness or even death.
The initial Brooklyn case was acquired by a child on a visit to Israel, where a large outbreak is currently taking place.