In a troubling development, two residents of a Brooklyn migrant shelter have tested positive for measles, bringing the total number of cases across the city to 11 this year. The infected individuals lived on the first floor of the massive Clinton Hill facility located at 47 Hall St., which currently houses over 3,000 adult migrants.

Health officials are urgently working to identify other individuals who may have been exposed to the highly contagious disease within the shelter. Testing is currently being focused on the first floor where the infected residents resided. In addition, health authorities are evaluating vaccination documentation to determine the immunity status of the residents. Those who are not immune will be required to observe a 21-day quarantine, according to City Council Member Crystal Hudson.

This recent increase in measles cases highlights a significant surge in New York City this year, compared to just one case reported in 2023, as per data from the health department. The current count of 11 cases, recorded as of Friday, represents the highest number seen since 2019 when an outbreak caused 605 infections.

Measles is known to spread rapidly through airborne transmission when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours even after the infected individual has left the area. Fortunately, most New Yorkers have been vaccinated against measles, which mitigates the risk to the wider community, stated Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan on Friday night.

However, City Council Member Crystal Hudson expressed frustration with the administration's response, noting that her office has been advocating for months to provide vaccines to residents at the Clinton Hill shelter but has been repeatedly denied. Even the request for a vaccination van at a resource fair organized by her office on June 1 was turned down.

Symptoms of measles typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a distinct rash. These signs usually manifest within seven to 14 days of contact with the virus.

It is worth mentioning that the Clinton Hill community has been grappling with concerns over the presence of large-scale shelters in the neighborhood. A previous incident in June involving a stabbing of a migrant at a nearby Hall Street shelter has further heightened tensions.

Health officials are working diligently to control the spread of measles within the migrant shelter, implementing measures to identify and quarantine individuals who may have been exposed. Vaccination efforts are crucial in preventing further outbreaks and ensuring the safety of those residing in the facility and the surrounding community.