Over 830 measles cases confirmed in USA in '19

In a marked resurgence, at least 839 people were confirmed to be suffering from measles as of this month in the United States, as per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This comes as New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene declared a state of emergency, warning Brooklyn's residents of fines to the tune of USD 1,000 if they refuse to get vaccinated.

According to the authorities, 75 new cases were reported until May 10. Amongst these, 41 are from New York City alone while 25 cases were confirmed in nearby Rockland County, reports Xinhua.

The highly contagious virus has made a resurgence in parts of US due to low levels of vaccination amongst a few communities in the nation. Even though no deaths due to measles have been reported yet, authorities believe that it's just a matter of time.

According to the World Health Organisation, pneumonia and encephalitis are the most common severe complications arising out of measles.

Virus-laced droplets can hover in still indoor air for up to two hours after someone infected has coughed or sneezed. Up to 90 per cent of people who are exposed will catch the virus if not immunised.