GNYHA is sharing a recent health alert from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and an update on the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
DOHMH Alert #38: Measles Outbreak in New York City in the Orthodox Jewish Community
This month, DOHMH issued an advisory about an international traveler with measles who potentially exposed people in various New York and New Jersey venues during the October 4-11, 2018, time period. DOHMH now reports that there has been an outbreak in the Orthodox Jewish Community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with six cases confirmed.
Update on EVD in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – 2018
Due to significant instability in the region, the current EVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues despite international efforts to bring it under control. While the risk of global spread is low, there is concern about spread to neighboring countries of Uganda and Rwanda. Clinicians are reminded to always collect a travel history from patients presenting with febrile illness, remain aware of current outbreaks overseas, and maintain compliance with the 2014 New York State Department of Health Commissioner’s Order and the 2015 Update to Commissioner’s Order for EVD.
DOHMH Disease Outbreak Resource
Hospitals can find detailed updates from DOHMH on infectious disease outbreaks in New York City, anywhere in the US, or around the world that could impact New York’s patients and institutions. If you would like more information about the resource or want to provide feedback, please contact Joel Ackelsberg at DOHMH’s Bureau of Communicable Disease.