Measles Outbreak Reaches 68 Confirmed Cases In New York

CLARKSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — New York officials have confirmed 68 cases of measles in one county, making it the largest outbreak in the state in decades.

The Journal News reports Rockland County's outbreak originated from three groups of travelers from Israel, and it has mostly affected Orthodox Jewish residents in New Square, Monsey and Spring Valley.

Israel is currently experiencing a measles outbreak with more than 1,500 confirmed cases and one child's death.

Rockland health officials say the affected patients are a mix of adults, teens and children. County officials are monitoring schools to ensure non-immunized children are not attending.

Measles is a highly contagious disease. Symptoms include high fever, cough, rash and red, watery eyes.

The last largest measles outbreak in the state was in 2013 with 58 confirmed cases.