Rockland Post Desk
Rockland County health officials are alerting the community after confirming a new measles case linked to public exposure sites in Monsey and Spring Valley. This latest case adds to a cluster of infections that began earlier in the fall.
According to the Rockland County Department of Health, individuals may have been exposed at Amazing Savings on Route 59 in Monsey on November 17 and at Target in Spring Valley on November 18. The department said the measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left, making these locations a concern for shoppers who were present during those times.
Measles symptoms can take 7 to 21 days to appear. Early signs include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, followed by a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward. Anyone who develops symptoms is urged to stay home and contact their medical provider before visiting a doctor’s office or emergency room to avoid exposing others.
County officials emphasized that the most effective protection is the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, which is available for residents who are unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination history. The County is also running free vaccination clinics, including mobile vans that have been operating across several neighborhoods.
“We want people to take this seriously, especially families with young children and individuals with weakened immune systems,” the department said in a statement. “Simple steps like checking your vaccination status can prevent further spread.”
What Residents Should Do
- Check your vaccination status. Children and adults should have two doses of MMR unless advised otherwise by a doctor.
- Monitor for symptoms if you were at the listed locations on Nov. 17 or 18.
- Call your doctor first if symptoms appear — do not walk into a waiting room.
- Get vaccinated if you are unprotected or unsure.
Contact Information
Rockland County Department of Health:
General hotline: 845-364-2497
Communicable disease inquiries: 845-364-2520
Providers reporting possible cases: 845-364-2997 (business hours) or 845-364-8600 (after hours)
Health officials say they are continuing to investigate and will update the community if more exposure locations are identified.