New York Measles Outbreak: Health Officials Urge Residents of Northern Manhattan and the Bronx Get Vaccinated

Health officials have warned New York City residents of a recent measles outbreak in the Bronx and northern Manhattan, according to a report by Gothamist.

16 New Yorkers have reportedly come down with the highly contagious virus - seven were adults, while nine were young children living in the area. Four people were checked into medical facilities in the city due to the severity of their ailments.

The Health Department has urged all residents living in the immediate vicinity of Manhattan's northern portion and the Bronx to get vaccinated.

"Adults who are unsure of their vaccination history can be revaccinated or obtain a blood test to see if they are immune," Health Department officials wrote in a statement. "Several adults who are included in this outbreak thought they had been vaccinated in the past, but lacked documentation."

The Health Department also stressed the safety of the measles vaccination.

"The benefits far outweigh any risks," officials wrote. "Side effects are usually mild, such as soreness where the shot was given."

Measles is usually characterized by high fever and rash, coupled with cough, red eyes and a runny nose. Symptoms usually last five to six days, and typically start with a face rash which then travels down the body. The palms of the hands and soles of the feet will most likely show red splotches at some point as well.

Victims of the measles virus can easily spread germs for four days prior to rash appearance, and four days after as well, the Health Department reported.

A measles outbreak in Indianapolis occurred during the Super Bowl in 2012, Gothamist reported. Medical officials discovered that 13 of the people who caught the virus "were confined to families in the same social group...According to [Indiana health commissioner Dr. Gregory] Larkin, [they] had all chosen not to be vaccinated."

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