measles

New research is showing signs that a measles infection can produce what specialists call “immune amnesia.”

Health officials are "actively engaging the Mennonite community to discuss the importance of getting vaccinated to prevent the spread of measles."

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill passed by the Legislature Thursday, amid a "health crisis." The measure also eliminates other nonmedical exemptions for schoolchildren.

CDC officials warned that if the current rate of outbreaks continues, the virus may lose its status as eliminated in the U.S.

"Then, it was people who couldn't get access to health care. Now it's this cultlike atmosphere of people who are refusing to immunize."

Lawmakers say the current law, which allows a child to skip vaccinations because of religious reasons, is creating too big a loophole and leading to what they say is a growing health crisis.

There are 695 cases in 22 states. HHS Secretary Alex Azar said the spike was "avoidable" and he called measles vaccines "among the most extensively studied medical products we have."

It's the latest measure officials in New York have taken to combat the disease. Between Rockland County and New York City, more than 500 cases have been confirmed since the start of the year.

This year, the U.S. has confirmed 550 measles cases so far. A recent spike is connected to outbreaks in New York, but there are outbreaks in four other states too.

"We cannot allow this dangerous disease to make a comeback here in New York City. We have to stop it now," Mayor Bill de Blasio said, announcing an order that calls for mandatory vaccinations.