U.S. Measles cases continue to rise, centered on NYC

The United States is experiencing its worst outbreak of measles in a
quarter of a century.

23 out of the 50 US states have reported cases, with the total now
topping more than 800.

Measles is an extremely contagious virus that spreads quickly through
breathing air or touching surfaces contaminated by someone with the
disease.

It was declared eliminated from US in the year 2000.

More than three quarters of the latest cases have appeared in New York state.

From where Nick Harper reports.

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TAKE VO
New York State is at the epicenter of the U.S. measles outbreak.
A rapidly growing number of new cases have cropped up across the
country over the last few months.
But the majority of the cases are centered on New York City. In
particular among communities where parents have refused to vaccinate
their children.

SOT - Peter Pitts
"It really becomes healthcare terrorism by not getting your child vaccinated."

TAKE VO
Peter Pitts is President of the Center for Public Medicine in the
Public Interest in New York. He believes parents who choose not to
vaccinate are acting irresponsibly.

SOT - Peter Pitts
"These diseases can cause birth defects, they can cause life long
respiratory problems. Not to mention birth defects that cause problems
with giving birth. It really is child abuse on a molecular level."

TAKE VO
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
almost 840 cases have been confirmed, with more than 620 of those in
New York state.
The ultra-orthodox Jewish community in the borough of Brooklyn has
seen some of the highest number of cases.
There, religious leaders have been urging parents to get their
children vaccinated. But a small sect have refused, increasing the
risk of the virus spreading quickly.
TAKE VO
A worrying trend of parents refusing to get their kids vaccinated has
grown up around the city and its suburbs.
The top three areas with the highest rates in the country of so-called
anti-vaxxers are all concentrated in or around New York City.
These parents believe that vaccinations can caused autism. Claims that
have been medically shown to be incorrect.
Dr. Nancy Messonnier is with the CDC.

SOT - Dr. Nancy Messonnier, CDC
"These outbreaks are really being fueled by misinformation and myth
that is leading communities to be under vaccinated. // Communities are
working together to get the correct information out there. Faith based
leaders and community organizers in New York City and New York state
are working hard to correct myths and misinformation and get folks
vaccinated with the use of the measles vaccine. We can stop these
outbreaks."

TAKE VO
Health officials are trying to prevent the virus spreading further. In
the New York suburb of Rockland County clinics are offering free
vaccinations. While unvaccinated children and teens have been banned
from indoor public places.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has called the outbreak a public
health emergency and ordered mandatory vaccinations in certain parts
of the city.

SOT - de Blasio
"This will mandate vaccines for people living in the affected area.
Department of Health will issue violations and fines for people who
remain unvaccinated."

TAKE VO
The total number of cases nationwide is now edging towards levels
reached during 1994's outbreak - the worst in recent history. Already
the current conditions far exceed anything seen since measles was
declared eradicated from the US in the year 2000.
SOC