A measles outbreak has occurred in northern Manhattan and the Bronx. The New York City health department is investigating the spreading virus.
According to the associatedpress the health department said Friday that 16 cases have been identified, 7 of which are adults. Of those 16 cases, 4 patients have been ill enough to be hospitalized.
The department is working with New York hospitals to prevent the virus from spreading throughout the hospital’s emergency sections. All New Yorkers are urged to check the status of their measles immunization. If unsure about your vaccination history, a blood test can be administered.
According to the New York post the infection is highly contagious. The virus causes a rash of raised red bumps and sometimes a high fever, cough, and red eyes occur.
Infants under 12 months are at higher risk for complications to the virus as most babies don’t receive the vaccine until 12 months old. The virus normally goes away after several days, but some cases require medical treatment.