The number of measles cases in Rockland has hit 280 in the recent outbreak, according to the Rockland County Health Department.

County officials do not provide the number of active cases, just the total that have occurred since the measles outbreak began last fall.

Because measles is highly contagious for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, health officials are alerting the public about a possible measles exposure on Friday, July 5, at Auction Mart appliance store in Monsey. People who were at the store, located at 75 Route 59, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. that day were at a risk of exposure.

But exposure to measles may occur anywhere in Rockland, health officials warn, citing the county's small geographical size.

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According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, there have been 1,109 cases of confirmed measles in the U.S. so far this year. Cases have been detected in 28 states. Brooklyn and Rockland have had the highest numbers, mostly found in the Orthodox Jewish community. Rockland's outbreak started near the Jewish high holidays with visitors from Israel, where the measles has been an ongoing health concern.

"Being up-to-date with your measles vaccination is the best way to help protect yourself, your family, and the community, especially those who cannot get vaccinated because they are too young or have specific health conditions," said Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.

The county and state health departments have facilitated free MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination clinics since the outbreak began.

The following MMR clinics are scheduled at the county's Yeager Health Complex, Building A, 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona:

Mondays: July 15, July 22, and July 29, 2-4 p.m.

Tuesdays: July 16, July 23, and July 30, 2-4 p.m.

Wednesdays: July 17, July 24, and July 31, 9-11:30 a.m.

Thursdays: July 18 and July 25, 9-11:30 a.m.

Fridays: July 19 and July 26, 9-11:30 a.m.

No appointments are needed for the clinics. To make an evening vaccination appointment, call 845-364-2534 on a weekday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Health officials remind people who suspect a case of measles — symptoms include fever, rash, or conjunctivitis — to contact their health provider before showing up in a physician's office, clinic or hospital.

Twitter: @nancyrockland