In N.Y., a drastic response to a measles outbreak tests trust in government

In N.Y., a drastic response to a measles outbreak tests trust in government

Inside STAT: In New York, a drastic response to a measles outbreak tests trust in government

STEPHANIE MAHAIRAS PROTESTS A 30-DAY BAN IN ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y., ON UNVACCINATED CHILDREN IN ENCLOSED PUBLIC SPACES AT A MALL IN WEST NYACK. (ERICA YOON FOR STAT)

The persistent measles outbreak in Rockland County, N.Y., prompted local officials this week to take a step that might have once been unthinkable: banning unvaccinated children from enclosed public spaces, including schools and synagogues, as part of a 30-day state of emergency. The hope is the move will help encourage parents to vaccinate their kids — and stanch the spread of the virus. But, as STAT’s Lev Facher reports, it may not be easy. There’s a deep sense of distrust of the local government in the Orthodox Jewish community, which has been hit hard by the outbreak, and some fear the new ban will only exacerbate suspicions. Read more.