For the first time in an outbreak that has infected 466 people since October, two public school students have contracted measles, the city confirmed Tuesday afternoon.
The two children, who attend public school in Sunset Park, do not identify as members of the Orthodox Jewish community but had been granted religious exemptions that allowed them to attend public school unvaccinated. The health department said the children did not attend school while infectious.
The outbreak has had the largest impact on members of the Orthodox Jewish community in Williamsburg, where 379 cases have been reported.
Health department officials said 34 people have been admitted to the hospital overall due to complications.
Last month, the city ordered mandatory measles vaccinations for every person older than six months in the zip codes 11205, 11206, 11211, and 11249 — all in Williamsburg. The order applies to anyone living, working, or going to school in the area.
Since then, 84 people have been fined for not complying with the order, the city said. They face fines up to $1,000.
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The city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is reviewing vaccination records of every person who may have been in contact with measles patients. The city said it would help everyone covered by the order get the vaccine if they can't get it quickly through their regular medical provider.