New York City's health department reported Friday that two migrant shelter residents have measles.

Wash Your Hands.Photo byKristine WookonUnsplash

Hall Street shelter in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, has been linked to the cases. Health officials are tracing everyone who stayed on the shelter's first level to determine where the two persons caught the sickness.

If a near encounter occurs without vaccine evidence, individuals not immune will be examined and quarantined for 21 days.

Measles is a contagious, viral respiratory disease, although vaccination reduces the risk.

11 Measles Cases The Year

Current city data show 11 measles cases this year. One instance was reported in New York City last year after three years without.

Vaccination is the best measles prevention. The MMR vaccine should be given twice to be fully protected. New York State requires measles vaccination for school, daycare, and pre-kindergarteners. College students have had to show measles immunization since August 1990.

Measles immunity is conferred by being born before 1957, receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine, having measles sickness, or having a lab test.

90% Probability of Contracting

If exposed, unvaccinated people have a 90% probability of contracting. Direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions spreads measles.

Before seeking treatment, anyone concerned they may have been exposed should contact their doctor, emergency department, or clinic to decrease exposure risk.

A rash may develop as a result of fever, cough, runny nose, or watery eyes. They are contagious for four days before and after the rash appears. Symptoms often begin 10-12 days after exposure but might appear anywhere between 7 and 21 days.