Public health emergency declared in New York following measles outbreak

New York's mayor has declared a public health emergency following a measles outbreak.

The emergency warning covers certain postcodes in Brooklyn. All residents in the affected areas have been told to get vaccinated or face a fine.

There have been 285 cases in the area since 30 September. Of those infected, 246 were children, New York health commissioner Oxiris Barbot said.

It is the largest measles outbreak in the city since 1991.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can result in serious health complications, such as pneumonia and swelling of the brain.

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