With three measles cases reported in Cayuga County, local health officials want residents to check their vaccination records and understand how easily the virus can spread—even before someone realizes they have it.
Public Health Director Kathleen Cuddy and Dr. Cassandra Archer, director of community health services, recently talked about the rise of measles across the region on an episode of Inside Government hosted by Guy Cosentino.
Their message was straightforward: knowing whether you’re protected matters, and getting vaccinated helps protect the people around you, too.
The county’s first infection was suspected over Labor Day weekend and confirmed in September. Officials announced a second case Oct. 16 and a third three days later.
As FL1 reported in October, the third person lived in the same household as the second patient. The county said the three residents were either unvaccinated or did not have verifiable vaccination records.
Cuddy said during the interview that, to her knowledge, all three were adults.
Why measles is difficult to contain
One of the challenges with measles is that people can spread it before the rash appears.
Archer explained that the virus travels through the air and can remain infectious in a room for up to two hours after someone with measles leaves.
People are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days afterward, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means someone may expose others before recognizing what they have.
In Cayuga County’s first case, a health care provider recognized symptoms that called for testing and contacted the health department, Cuddy said. The department helped arrange testing, and the patient isolated while awaiting results.
Samples have been sent to the state’s Wadsworth laboratory in Albany. Cuddy said results typically come back within 24 hours, depending on when the sample arrives and testing can be completed.
Archer said measles can become serious enough to require hospitalization, including for pneumonia or dehydration. Care focuses on managing symptoms and complications, with fluids or breathing support needed in severe cases.
Missing records can leave questions
For some residents, the first step is figuring out what vaccines they received years ago.
Cuddy described her own experience checking her protection when childhood records did not clearly document her vaccination history.
It’s an issue she has raised before. During a September county committee meeting, Cuddy cautioned that a missing vaccination record does not prove someone was never vaccinated. She urged residents who were unsure to contact their health care provider about checking immunity or receiving a vaccine when medically appropriate.
During Inside Government, Cosentino also asked about online speculation concerning the people who contracted measles.
Cuddy declined to characterize the patients beyond their vaccination status. She said the department’s focus was helping people understand that anyone without adequate protection could become infected, rather than encouraging speculation about individual patients.
Vaccination protects more than one person
Archer emphasized that vaccination helps protect people who cannot receive the vaccine because of certain medical conditions.
“Vaccines are important because they protect you against illnesses and protect other people around you against illnesses,” she said. “Protect the people that you love.”
The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, known as MMR, is routinely given in two doses: the first at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years. The second dose can be given earlier, provided it is at least 28 days after the first, according to CDC recommendations.
Archer said vaccination timing may change when exposure risk increases. Public health authorities may recommend an early dose for infants ages 6 through 11 months, but that dose does not replace the two needed after the first birthday.
For residents looking for help, Cayuga County has said vaccinations are available by appointment through the health department for people without a provider or health insurance. Questions about measles, vaccination or testing can go to a health care provider or the department at 315-253-1560.
Anyone who thinks they may have measles should call before arriving for care so staff can take precautions to protect other patients, according to CDC guidance.
Archer closed the interview with a reminder of why those precautions—and vaccination—matter.
“You should get vaccinated because there’s people around who love you, who want you to be healthy, and there’s people you love and you want to keep them healthy,” she said.
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