MONTICELLO – Within two weeks, Sullivan County’s population will more than double as it does every summer, as the dozens of bungalow colonies will fill up with orthodox Jews from the metro area. It is within that cohort that measles has become a serious issue.
Sullivan County’s Director of Public Health, Nancy McGraw, says they are taking a proactive approach.
“We’re working very closely with the local rabbis in terms of outreach and education as liaisons to our department to help us get the word out.”
McGraw said an orthodox physician in New York City prepared a publication specifically for the orthodox community, dispelling myths and misinformation and stressing the importance of vaccination. They have 500 copies and hope to get more.
As of late last week, there were seven confirmed and one suspect case in the county. There have been a few possible exposures. The latest was June 4 at Middletown Medical in the Thompson Square Mall on Route 42, north of Monticello.
McGraw says with any possible exposure, they are trying not to be alarmist in getting the word out to people who could be at risk.
“So there’s a lot of behind the scenes public health activities that have to go on for every exposure and we want to make sure the public is aware. We don’t want to panic anybody; that it’s just a routine kind of advisory.”
On another health front, there is some good news.
McGraw reported that the flu season may be winding down with fewer cases reported. There have been 104 known cases of flu so far.
