Steuben County’s measles case count has risen to six after health officials confirmed two more infections among unvaccinated residents, extending an outbreak investigation that has grown steadily over the past several days.
Steuben County Public Health said it was notified of the latest positive results Aug. 29 and 30. One resident began showing symptoms Aug. 23 and is now considered no longer contagious, while the other developed symptoms Aug. 28 and remains isolated at home.
The county did not release information about how the two residents became infected or whether either case has been linked to previously confirmed infections.
Health officials said potential public exposure locations have been identified, but details are not being released to protect patient privacy. The county is instead working with the state Department of Health and local health care providers to identify and directly contact people known to have been exposed.
The new cases come just days after Steuben County reported that its confirmed case count had reached four. All six cases now reported by the county have emerged as public health officials intensify contact tracing and urge residents to verify their immunity.
Despite the additional infections, officials said the overall risk to the general public remains low, particularly for people who are fully vaccinated against measles.
Residents urged to check immunity and watch for symptoms
Steuben County Public Health considers residents generally immune to measles if they have documentation showing they received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine; were born before 1957; or previously had immunity confirmed through a blood test.
People who are fully vaccinated have a very low risk of contracting measles, according to the county. Unvaccinated residents, infants, pregnant people and those who are immunocompromised face a higher risk of infection or serious complications.
Anyone who knows or believes they were exposed should monitor themselves and family members for symptoms for 21 days.
Early measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and can include a high fever, often above 101 degrees, cough, runny nose and red or watery eyes. A red, blotchy rash generally develops three to five days after the initial symptoms and typically begins around the face and hairline before spreading downward.
Health officials are also advising people who have symptoms or have been notified of an exposure to limit activity outside their homes and avoid contact with others.
Post-exposure treatment may be time-sensitive
People who are unvaccinated, pregnant or immunocompromised and believe they were exposed are being advised to contact a health care provider or Steuben County Public Health immediately.
Some post-exposure measures can reduce the likelihood or severity of infection if administered quickly. The MMR vaccine may provide protection when given within 72 hours of exposure, while immune globulin may be an option within six days.
County officials are also stressing that anyone who develops possible measles symptoms should not walk into a doctor’s office, urgent care center or emergency department without warning.
Residents should call ahead and tell the facility they may have been exposed to measles. That gives health care workers time to take precautions, including isolating the patient upon arrival, to reduce the risk of spreading the highly contagious virus to others in waiting rooms or other areas.
Measles spreads through the air and is considered highly contagious, making rapid contact tracing and isolation particularly important when cases are identified.
Steuben County Public Health said its investigation remains ongoing as officials work with state health authorities and local providers to contact anyone known to have been exposed.
Residents with questions about measles, possible exposure or vaccination can contact Steuben County Public Health at 607-664-2438.
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