NEW YORK — Measles in the U.S. has climbed to its highest level in 25 years, closing in on 700 cases this year in a resurgence largely attributed to misinformation that is turning parents against vaccines. But on Wednesday, New York City officials said the outbreak centred in some of Brooklyn’s Jewish neighbourhoods has accounted for 390 cases since October. “These cases are stark reminders of why New Yorkers must get vaccinated against the measles as soon as possible,” New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot said. Earlier this month, city officials ordered mandatory vaccinations in four ZIP codes in Brooklyn and threatened fines of up to $1,000 for noncompliance. The worst year for measles in modern U.S. history was 1958, with more than 763,000 reported cases and 552 deaths.

Source: National Post April 24, 2019 18:33 UTC