Lewis County investigates confirmed Measles case
LOWVILLE- Authorities in Lewis County are investigating a confirmed measles case.
A positive result was determined on Saturday via New York’s Health Department.
To clarify, all potential public exposures have been identified and everyone suspected of having close contact have been notified through contact tracing.
The resident who contracted Measles is isolated and no longer contagious, the Public Health Office declared on Saturday. Officials also made note that this person was not vaccinated.
According to health experts, Measles is a very contagious viral illness spread by coughing or sneezing.
Virus particles can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two-hours.
Someone who is infected with Measles is contagious four-days before a rash develops and then another four-days after.
Symptoms can linger for one to two-weeks.
Unvaccinated individuals, young infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at the highest risk for severe complications. If you have symptoms or someone has notified you of an exposure, stay home.
Monitor for Symptoms for 21 Days: Early symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include:
• High fever (often rising above 101 degrees-F)
• Cough
• Runny nose (coryza)
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Subsequent symptoms:
• A red, blotchy rash typically appears 3 to 5 days after initial symptoms begin, usually starting on the face along the hairline and spreading downward to the rest of the body.
Post-Exposure Options (Act Quickly): 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 given within 72 hours of exposure, or immune globulin (IG) given within 6 days, can prevent or reduce the severity of measles illness.
Call Ahead Before Seeking Medical Care: DO NOT walk into a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room without calling first.
If you develop symptoms or suspect you were exposed, call your primary care provider or the Emergency Room before arriving. Inform them that you may have been exposed to measles. This allows healthcare facilities to take precautions—such as placing you in an isolated room immediately—to prevent spreading the virus to other vulnerable patients in the waiting room or other areas.
The Public Health Office says the general public risk for Measles remains low for folks who are fully vaccinated against the disease, or who were born before 1957.
For any questions, contact Lewis County Public Health @ 315-376-5453.
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