LOWVILLE, NY — Public health officials are responding to 10 new cases of measles in Lewis County, all involving unvaccinated residents.
According to Lewis County Public Health, people currently in the infectious period are isolated until they are no longer contagious.
Officials stressed that the overall risk to the public is low, especially for those who are fully vaccinated or born before 1957.
Public health staff have identified and contacted all individuals known to have been exposed. Measles spreads easily through the air, so contact tracing is a key part of their response.
Health authorities recommend checking your vaccination status. People are considered immune if they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, were born before 1957, or have a blood test confirming their immunity.
Unvaccinated people, young infants, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk of serious complications.
Anyone who develops symptoms or learns they have been exposed should stay home.
The first symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A red, blotchy rash often appears three to five days after symptoms begin, starting on the face and spreading throughout the body.
If you are unvaccinated, pregnant, or immunocompromised and have been exposed, contact your health care provider or Lewis County Public Health immediately.
The MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure or immunoglobulins within six days can help prevent or alleviate the disease.
Officials are urging people not to go to clinics or emergency rooms without calling ahead if they have symptoms or suspect exposure.
Calling first allows healthcare facilities to take precautions and prevent further spread.
Measles can remain contagious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.
About 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will get sick.
For more information or questions about vaccination, contact Lewis County Public Health at 315-376-5453.
Gn Health
