The measles outbreak in New York City has engaged multiple spheres in the city, politicians, health professionals, policy makers and of course, the ultra-orthodox Jewish community, in one of the city’s worst outbreaks in recent history. So far, 285 cases of measles has been detected in the Jewish community with 246 of these cases in children 18 and younger, since October, with most cases occurring in the last two months.

Last week, the outbreak officially hit a crisis point for the city.

Mayor Bill de Blasio declared the outbreak a public health emergency. “We are here in Williamsburg today to deal with a very serious situation. This is the epicenter of a measles outbreak that is very, very troubling and must be dealt with immediately,” the Mayor said during a news conference. “The only way to stop this outbreak is to ensure that those who have not been vaccinated get the vaccine. It’s crucial for people to understand the measles vaccine works. It is safe; it is effective, it is time tested.”