E&C Bipartisan Leaders Announce Subcommittee Hearing on Measles Outbreak and Response Efforts on February 27

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2019


Washington, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-OR), Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Diana DeGette (D-CO), and Oversight and Investigations Ranking Member Brett Guthrie (R-KY) announced today that the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee will hold a hearing on the current measles outbreak and response efforts on Wednesday, February 27. More information on timing, location and witnesses will be announced next week.

“Measles is a highly contagious, life-threatening virus that was previously eliminated in the United States thanks to the success of the measles vaccine,” the four bipartisan Committee leaders said. “Unfortunately, measles cases are on the rise as a consequence of the virus’s transmission among unvaccinated groups.

“The reemergence of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, presents a serious public health threat, especially for those who rely on ‘herd immunity.’ We look forward to learning more from public health officials on addressing the current outbreak, efforts to prevent the disease’s spread, and strategies to support vaccination efforts,” Pallone, Walden, DeGette and Guthrie concluded.

Since January 1, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 101 individual measles cases in 10 states. The majority of measles cases have occurred in Clark County, Washington, a suburb of Portland, Oregon, with 53 confirmed measles cases. Of those cases, 47 involved people who were not vaccinated against the disease, and 38 people infected were children between the ages of one and 10.

Middletown Police Want You to be SAFE this HALLOWEEN

October 26, 2016

Middletown Public Information:

Halloween, which is celebrated on October 31st, falls on a Monday this year. Middletown’s trick or treating hours will be 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. Please note that an 8:00 p.m. curfew will be in effect for people under the age of 18 on October 30th and October 31st.

“This is a fun time for the community, especially children who will be dressing up and trick-or-treating,” Middletown Police Chief R. Craig Weber said. “While we want everyone to enjoy their evening, we strongly encourage residents to be responsible and consider these safety tips.”

The Centers for Disease Control provides best practices for Halloween trick-or-treaters by asking that people follow the “Safe Halloween” motto.

• Swords, knives and other costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Fasten reflective tape on costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before you eat them.
• Hold a flashlight while walking to ensure that you are visible. Walk and don’t run from house to house.
• Always test make up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
• Lower your risk of serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
• Only walk on sidewalks wherever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe and to prevent accidents or injury.
• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
• Eat only factory-wrapped candy. Avoid eating homemade treats offered by strangers.
• Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t accept rides from strangers
• Never walk near lit candles or devices with open flames. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Please contact the Middletown Police Department at 732-615-2100 with any safety concerns.