SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Measles cases are rising across the country, and public health officials in Central New York are warning the highly contagious virus could soon spread into more populated areas, including Onondaga County.
The region is already seeing confirmed cases in Cayuga, Cortland and Madison counties. Measles was eradicated in the United States in 2000, but has returned, with more than 3,100 cases reported nationwide this year alone. There were two infant deaths in Pennsylvania last month and 51 measles cases reported across New York state.
“It’s really not surprising at all unfortunately because the number of measles cases over the last several years countrywide. And if anything, I’m quite surprised that it took this long for us to experience cases in Upstate New York,” said Onondaga County Senior Medical Director Dr. James Alexander.
Dr. Alexander said vaccine skepticism at the highest levels of government has contributed to lower vaccination rates.
“Certainly the narrative that’s coming out on the national level, that has not helped. There tends to be vaccine uptake that is divided on where you fall on the political spectrum. We see lower vaccine rates in the politically conservative parts of the country,” he said.
Alexander said he expects Onondaga County will eventually see cases.
“I think it’s fairly likely that we will see measles cases in Onondaga County because as you say, measles don’t know geographical boundaries and I think it’s just a matter of time,” he said.
Measles is a potentially deadly respiratory disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis and death. Dr. Alexander urged people to take the threat seriously and get vaccinated.
“You can die from measles. You can get encephalitis and get permanent brain damage. You can have permanent neurologic complications from getting measles. And now we know it’s in the community. We know it’s around us. We know that it’s spread through the air. It is the most infectious viral disease that we know of,” he said.
The measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. A rash can begin as flat red spots on the face and spread down the body, and small raised bumps may also appear.
Doctors recommend all children receive two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. People who were previously vaccinated do not need a booster shot.
The Oneida County Health Department is extending vaccination clinic hours in Utica and Rome. You can find information here. The Onondaga County Health Department offers vaccinations by appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Find more information on Madison County’s Immunization clinics for September and October here. You can make an appointment in Cayuga County here, Cortland County here, Oswego County here and Tompkins County here.