LOWVILLE, N.Y. — Public health officials are responding to 10 new measles cases in Lewis County, all involving unvaccinated residents.
According to a press release from Lewis County Public Health, the people currently in their infectious period are isolated until they are no longer contagious. Officials emphasized that the overall risk to the public is low, especially for those who are fully vaccinated or were born before 1957.
Public health staff have identified and contacted everyone known to have been exposed. Measles spreads easily through the air, so contact tracing is a key part of their response.
Health officials 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 immunity.
Unvaccinated individuals, young infants, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for severe complications. Anyone who develops symptoms or learns they were exposed should stay home.
Early symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A red, blotchy rash often appears 3 to 5 days after symptoms start, beginning on the face and spreading down the body.
If you are unvaccinated, pregnant or immunocompromised and were exposed, contact your health care provider or Lewis County Public Health right away. The MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure or immune globulin within 6 days can help prevent or lessen illness.
Officials urge people not to walk into clinics or emergency rooms without calling ahead if they have symptoms or suspect exposure. Calling first allows health care facilities to take precautions and prevent further spread.
Measles can remain infectious 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.