Seneca County health officials confirmed two additional measles cases Thursday and said two other cases are presumed positive.
The Health Department said the overall public risk remains low, particularly for people who are fully vaccinated or were born before 1957 and are presumed to have natural immunity. Unvaccinated infants, children and adults, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of infection.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room, according to the department.
Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A red, blotchy rash typically begins on the face and spreads downward three to five days after the first symptoms appear.
Residents who develop symptoms should remain home and call a health care provider, urgent care center or emergency room before arriving. Calling ahead allows staff to put isolation precautions in place to protect other patients and employees.
Health officials urged residents to check their vaccination records and make sure they are up to date on the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Two MMR doses are 97% effective at preventing measles, the department said.
The Seneca County Health Department offers MMR and other vaccinations to uninsured and underinsured county residents who qualify. Residents can call 315-539-1920 for eligibility information.
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