Schuyler County has identified its first confirmed measles case in the ongoing regional outbreak, but health officials have not identified any public exposure risks based on the information available to them.
An unvaccinated person was diagnosed with the virus, Schuyler County Public Health announced Tuesday. The department urged residents to check that they are vaccinated against measles.
“Measles is a virus that can spread very easily and quickly when people aren’t immune,” said Jill Kasprzyk, the county’s public health director. “We recommend that community members make sure they are protected against measles. Vaccination remains the best way to prevent measles.”
The virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours after that person leaves a room. Up to nine of 10 unprotected people near someone with measles can become infected, the department said.
Check protection against measles
The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect individuals and the people around them, the department said. Almost everyone who is vaccinated will be protected against measles for life.
The county considers people immune if they have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, such as MMR or MMRV, or were born before 1957.
Measles can be dangerous for anyone who is not immune, with children younger than 5 especially at risk. Serious complications can lead to hospitalization or death and include pneumonia, brain swelling known as encephalitis, miscarriage and preterm birth.
Call ahead if symptoms develop
Symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days after exposure, though they can take up to 21 days. They include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash.
Anyone who suspects they or someone in their household has measles should stay away from others. Before visiting a health care provider, urgent care center or emergency room, call ahead so staff can take steps to protect other people, the department advised.
The New York State Department of Health’s measles dashboard provides regularly updated confirmed case counts for Schuyler County and the rest of the state.
More information is available from Schuyler County Public Health, which also shares updates on Facebook and Instagram.
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