HOPEWELL — Ontario County Public Health is investigating two related measles cases involving unvaccinated residents, though officials said the overall risk to the public remains low, particularly for people who are fully vaccinated.
The department learned of the positive results Aug. 31. Both residents isolated safely at home during the period when they could have exposed others, and the county said it would not release more information about them to protect their privacy.
Officials urge higher-risk residents to contact providers
Measles is extremely contagious, and county health officials said people who are unvaccinated, pregnant, younger than 12 months or immunocompromised face a higher risk. Anyone in those groups who believes they may have been exposed should contact a health care provider.
“Most people in Ontario County are vaccinated and are not at risk of getting measles,” Public Health Director Kate Ott said. “If unsure of your vaccine status, contact your healthcare provider.”
Adults born before 1957 are presumed immune because they likely had measles during childhood before the vaccine became available, according to the county.
People who develop a fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes or a rash should isolate and wear a mask. Anyone planning to seek care at a doctor's office, urgent care center or emergency department should call ahead so staff know the patient is coming.
Measles can cause serious complications
Ontario County Public Health warned that measles can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain, and lasting neurological damage. The disease can also interfere with the body's immune response to other vaccine-preventable illnesses.
An estimated one to three people out of every 1,000 measles cases die from complications, a rate of 0.1% to 0.3%, according to the county's notice.
Residents with questions about the public notice or measles vaccination can call Ontario County Public Health at 585-396-4343. Information is also available through the county's Diseases and Viruses webpage and the New York State Department of Health measles page.
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