Eyewitness News Town Hall: Get answers about measles from NYC health experts
Your questions about measles answered during an Eyewitness News Town Hall
NEW YORK (WABC) -- With measles cases on the rise - and new infections reported in New York City and on Long Island - our communities are once again confronting a preventable public health risk.
ABC 7 New York brought trusted medical experts together for an Eyewitness News Town Hall to answer your questions about measles: how it spreads, who's at risk, and how to stay protected.
The town hall was streamed live on ABC 7 New York on Thursday, and you can watch in the player above.
Our guests included:
- New York State Health Commissioner James V. McDonald M.D., M.P.H.
- Acting New Jersey Health Commissioner Raynard Washington
- ABC News Medical Correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton
Eyewitness News anchor Mike Marza asked the experts viewer questions, ranging from reasonable steps to protect your child to if you need another vaccine dose before you take a summer vacation.
A viewer asked what exactly measles is. Sutton explained that measles is the most contagious viral infection that exists on this planet.
"The reason why everyone should hold concern is because of that risk," Sutton said. "One child infected with measles will infect up to 90% of their classmates who are unvaccinated. That is significant."
Measles can be more than a rash, Sutton also explained-some people have faced hospitalization, suffering complications like pneumonia. There are some more serious symptoms that are less common on the rise, like encephalitis (swelling of the brain).
In New York State, there has been a delay in vaccinations, which has contributed to the rise in cases, McDonald said. Only 81% of children under 2 years old are getting the vaccine, when it's supposed to be more than 97%.
"That's what concerns me," McDonald said. "Keep in mind, you get the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine sometime between 12-15 and between four to six (years old) ---two vaccines and you're good to go for life."
Throughout the rest of the question-and-answer session, Sutton, McDonald, and Washington gave advice on when and whether you should get boosted and the risks of the vaccine.
Map shows how to spot the measles risk level in your ZIP code
Type in your ZIP code above or search your county to see vaccination levels and the risk in your area.
They also addressed the rising concern of hantavirus amid outbreak on a cruise ship.
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