NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Health Department officials say that New York’s measles outbreak, has now spread to Staten Island and Manhattan.
The number of people diagnosed with measles has risen to 550 the Health Department reports.
Seven of those cases are Staten Island residents with another residing in Manhattan.
“The recently identified cases are linked to exposures in neighborhoods with known measles activity,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “These cases prove the urgent need to get vaccinated, especially if you spend time in areas that are experiencing an outbreak. This message cannot be overstated — if you live, work or attend school in these sections of the city, get vaccinated if you are able.”
The department says 77 percent of the measles cases in New York City, have been diagnosed in Williamsburg and has had the largest impact on members of the Orthodox Jewish community in the neighborhood.
Those who live, work or reside in Williamsburg, are now required to get vaccinated for measles, unless immune or medically exempt.
The Health Department also announced an outreach in Spanish and Chinese launches this week to promote vaccination in neighborhoods with measles activity.