Steuben County has confirmed two additional measles cases, raising the countywide total to eight as public health officials continue tracing contacts connected to the growing cluster.
The two newly confirmed cases involve unvaccinated residents who had contact with people previously reported as infected, according to a Sept. 2 notice from Steuben County Public Health. The county said both residents isolated at home and are no longer considered contagious.
Health officials were notified of the positive results Sept. 2. One resident began showing symptoms Aug. 24, while the other developed symptoms Aug. 28.
The county did not release additional information about either resident, citing patient privacy.
The latest results continue a rapid increase in Steuben County's case count. FingerLakes1.com previously reported that the total reached six after the county received two positive results Aug. 29 and 30, following an earlier increase to four cases late last week.
The latest notice establishes that both of the newest infections are connected to previously reported cases. County officials had not disclosed whether the two cases that brought the total to six were linked to earlier infections.
Contact tracing continues around known exposures
Steuben County Public Health said potential public exposure sites have been identified. The county has not publicly named those locations, but officials said the Health Department has contacted people who may have encountered the infected residents.
The county is working with the state Department of Health and local health care providers to identify and directly contact people known to have been exposed. Information and guidance have been provided to those direct contacts.
That targeted response is important because measles is a highly contagious airborne virus. Health officials have previously advised people who know or believe they were exposed to monitor themselves and family members for symptoms for 21 days.
Early symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and can include a high fever, cough, runny nose and red or watery eyes. A red, blotchy rash commonly develops several days later, often beginning near the face or hairline before spreading downward.
Officials say risk remains low for vaccinated residents
Steuben County officials said the overall risk to the general public remains low, particularly for people who are fully vaccinated against measles.
Unvaccinated residents, pregnant people, infants younger than 12 months and people who are immunocompromised face a higher risk and should speak with a health care provider, the county said.
In its earlier guidance, Steuben County Public Health said residents are generally considered immune if they have documentation of two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, were born before 1957 or have had immunity confirmed through a blood test.
People who may have been exposed and are not vaccinated should seek guidance quickly because some preventive measures are time-sensitive. The county previously said an MMR vaccine administered within 72 hours of exposure may provide protection, while immune globulin may be an option within six days for some patients.
Anyone who develops possible measles symptoms should call ahead before visiting a doctor's office, urgent care center or emergency department. Advance notice allows medical staff to prepare isolation precautions and reduce the chance of exposing other patients.
Residents with questions about the public health notice or measles vaccination can contact Steuben County Public Health at 607-664-2438. Additional information is available through the county and the New York State Department of Health.
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