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Measles Exposure at New City ShopRite Prompts Health Alert

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. e-at-new-city-shoprite-prompts-health-alert.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 19:22 GMT by Patch
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

NEW CITY, NY - A potential measles outbreak is raising concerns amongst Rockland County health officials, following confirmed exposures at the ShopRite supermarket located on Route 9W in New City. The health department is urging residents who visited the store between February 17th and February 24th, 2026, to be vigilant for symptoms and seek medical advice if any arise. This incident is not isolated; it comes amidst a concerning national trend of increasing measles cases, prompting a re-evaluation of vaccination rates and public health preparedness.

Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, poses a significant risk, particularly to infants too young to be vaccinated, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes), followed by the characteristic rash that spreads from the head to the body. While most people recover, measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death.

The Rockland County Health Department is currently working to trace the source of the exposure at the ShopRite. Preliminary investigations suggest the affected individual(s) may have been unaware they were contagious at the time of their visit. This highlights a critical challenge in controlling measles: its highly infectious nature and the potential for asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic transmission. One person with measles can infect up to nine out of ten unvaccinated individuals they come into close contact with.

"We are taking this situation very seriously," stated Dr. Emily Carter, Rockland County Health Commissioner, in a press conference held earlier today. "Our priority is to prevent further spread and protect the health of our community. We urge anyone who was at the ShopRite during the specified dates, and who is not fully vaccinated against measles, to contact their healthcare provider. Even if you feel fine, it's important to be assessed, especially if you fall into one of the vulnerable categories."

The current situation is prompting a broader review of vaccination coverage within Rockland County. While the county has historically maintained relatively high vaccination rates, recent years have seen a slight decline, mirroring a national trend linked to vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. County officials are emphasizing the safety and effectiveness of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine, which provides excellent protection against all three diseases. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended for children, with the first dose typically administered between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose between 4 and 6 years.

This outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of "herd immunity," where a sufficiently high percentage of the population is vaccinated to protect those who cannot be. When vaccination rates fall below a critical threshold, outbreaks become more likely, putting entire communities at risk. Rockland County experienced a significant measles outbreak in 2018-2019, primarily affecting the Orthodox Jewish community, leading to a state of emergency and highlighting the devastating consequences of low vaccination rates.

The health department is not only focusing on vaccination efforts but also on educating the public about measles symptoms, transmission, and prevention. Information is readily available on the county health department's website ([ https://www.rocklandgov.com/departments/health/ ]) and through various social media channels. The department is also collaborating with local schools and healthcare providers to promote vaccination and address any concerns parents may have.

Experts suggest the increase in measles cases nationally is due to a combination of factors, including decreased vaccination rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting routine healthcare, as well as increased international travel. Measles remains endemic in many parts of the world, and travelers can easily bring the virus back to the United States. The CDC ([ https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html ]) provides detailed information on global measles outbreaks and travel advisories.

Residents are encouraged to check their vaccination records and schedule appointments if needed. The Rockland County Health Department has scheduled several free vaccination clinics in the coming weeks to make it easier for residents to get protected. Details on clinic locations and times will be posted on the county website. The fight against measles requires a collective effort, and public health officials are urging everyone to do their part to safeguard the community's health.