WASHINGTON: Measles has broken out in New York City, prompting the City to declare public health emergency on Tuesday.
The outbreak is mainly confined to Orthodox Jewish children in Brooklyn. It is considered as the largest outbreak since 1991, with total of 285 cases confirmed since October. Two cases had been reported in 2017.
The City has required unvaccinated people in the affected areas to get vaccine.
The measles virus is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications and death.
While there have been no confirmed deaths so far, 21 people have been hospitalized, with five admitted to intensive care, officials said.
The outbreak is part of a broader resurgence in the United States, with 465 cases reported in 19 states so far this year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The United States declared measles eliminated from the country in 2000 thanks to widespread vaccination, meaning it is no longer constantly present.
(Agencies)
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