Gov. Kathy Hochul and state health officials this week sounded the alarm about the growing number of measles cases. This comes as three children are being treated for measles at a hospital in Rochester.
As of Oct. 3, there were 108 reported cases of measles in the state, according to the governor. Of those, she said 92 cases were reported since July 15 in rural communities across 18 counties.
She declared a disaster emergency due to the outbreak of this virus, which is considered highly contagious.
Health experts say measles can be prevented by getting the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
“We almost eradicated it for so long. And now, we are dealing with a crisis that just is unnecessary,” said Julie Hall, the chief nursing officer for the Mohawk Valley Health System.
She said Hochul’s disaster emergency declaration is making it easier to vaccinate those who give consent.
“Now, if I ask questions as a nurse and deem that this patient is eligible for the vaccine, there is a standing order set that every nurse can follow for every patient. And I can give that vaccination without having to go seek out the provider, right away,” Hall said.
New York state’s health commissioner said vaccine education is lacking in some communities. He said some are not vaccine resistant or hesitant but just simply unaware.
“They have a lot of questions,” said Dr. James McDonald, the state’s health commissioner.
He’s concerned about the rise in measles cases.
“We need to give as many vaccines as possible. Keep in mind, one case of measles in any state is a problem. It is the most contagious disease out there,” he said.
Ten additional cases of measles were recently reported in Lewis County in unvaccinated individuals.
“The risk to the general public is still low. Particularly, if you’re fully vaccinated or born before 1957, because you would be considered immune to the illness,” said Lewis County Public Health Director Ashley Waite.
With most of the reported measles cases being in upstate New York, are more health care resources are needed in rural communities? The answer to that question varies.
“No. Our health system does a great job here in Lewis County being available for all of our residents. And they have clinics spread out throughout our entire county,” Waite said.
In contrast, numerous health care leaders held a press conference in Utica on Wednesday, talking about rural health care investments that will strengthen connections between providers and public health agencies.
“I want to thank the New York State Department of Health for recognizing both the challenges and the opportunities that exist in rural communities like ours,” said Oneida Health CEO Felissa Koernig.
For now, Hall said the Mohawk Valley Health System’s community nurses are doing outreach to educate people about getting vaccinated for measles.
“Community health nurses are definitely beating the drums out in the community, asking patients if they are vaccinated or if they would like to be,” she said.
Bassett Health Care Network serves residents in eight counties in many rural areas. They said they’re fully prepared to care for patients with measles and recommend getting the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.