Steuben County has now confirmed four measles cases, including two additional infections in unvaccinated residents identified late this week, according to Steuben County Public Health.
Health officials said one of the new cases was linked to contact with a previously reported patient, while the other person began showing symptoms without a known prior connection. The county was notified of the positive test results on Aug. 27 and 28.
Both residents are isolating at home and are no longer considered contagious, according to the county.
Steuben County Public Health said possible public exposure locations have been notified, and people who may have had direct contact with the infected residents are being contacted through the state Department of Health and local health care providers.
The growing case count comes as measles activity has also been reported elsewhere in the Finger Lakes. Seneca County recently confirmed five cases, with local health officials there saying the situation meets the state definition of an outbreak. Two of those patients were hospitalized, and officials said transmission has been concentrated largely among unvaccinated residents.
There is no information in the available reports establishing a connection between the Steuben and Seneca County cases.
Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Health officials continue to recommend two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
Steuben County residents are being encouraged to monitor local public health updates and review their vaccination status, particularly if they believe they may have been exposed.
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