LOWVILLE, N.Y. (WWNY) – All 11 confirmed cases of measles in Lewis County are in just one town, according to the county public health department.
“All of the cases that we are aware of are currently in the town of Lowville,” said Ashley Waite, Lewis County Public Health Director.
Waite said children and adults are affected, some of whom are related to each other. Not all are vaccinated and none of the children attend public schools.
Health director responds to Hochul’s order
On Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency due to the increasing number of measles cases in rural New York.
Waite said the declaration would help slow the spread because it would help health officials identify cases more quickly and provide more vaccines.
“When the governor declares a state of emergency, he opens up more resources to state health departments and local health departments,” Waite said.
According to state data, there are no confirmed cases in Jefferson or St. Lawrence counties.
Vaccination information
Health officials say the best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated, which is 97% effective.
The CDC recommends that everyone receive two doses of the measles vaccine, first as an infant, and a second dose around age 4. Waite said if a child or adult is over 4 and still needs the vaccine, it will still be effective to receive it now.
“If anyone knows they are not vaccinated or is wondering if they are not vaccinated, they can contact their primary care provider. They can also contact us here at Lewis County Public Health and we can try to find their vaccination record, or we can offer them the vaccine,” Waite said.
She said as long as a person is vaccinated, they shouldn’t worry.
“There is little risk to the general public. The majority of our population is vaccinated,” Waite said.
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