Write a commentThe Oswego County Health Department reminds residents to prevent the spread of disease by practicing good hygiene habits, eating well and keeping the body moving.
However, it is most important for people to stay up to date on vaccinations that not only protect them but those around them as well.
Dr. Christina Liepke, Oswego County Medical Director, said this is the current situation with the latest report of nine new measles cases, which are all connected to the original case.
“First, I would like to stress that the public risk for measles remains low at this time,” she said. “Second, I strongly urge people to recognize just how infectious the measles virus is. Even with the best hygiene practices, it can easily be spread by coughing and sneezing. This shows us just how important it is to get immunized to stop its spread.”
Oswego County Deputy Public Health Director Jodi Martin re-affirmed that the risk to the public is low as the cases are connected, along with the importance of vaccine in preventing disease.
“Vaccination is the best way for people to protect themselves, their children and their entire community,” she said. “Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against disease transmission for an entire lifetime.”
For optimal protection, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, with the first dose given to children aged 12 to 15 months, and the second dose given between 4 to 6 years of age.
“Although we promote vaccinations during childhood, it’s important to remember that measles is not just a childhood illness,” said Martin. “Everyone, regardless of age, should know their vaccination status and make sure they are up to date on their immunizations.”
The Oswego County Health Department offers weekly immunization clinics every Tuesday at the Nick Sterio Public Health Clinic, 70 Bunner St., Oswego. Adults and children can receive various vaccinations by appointment only from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Most insurances are accepted and no one will be turned away. To make a vaccination appointment, call the health department’s Preventive Division at 315-349-3547.
The measles virus is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is easily spread by coughing and sneezing. Initial symptoms include a high fever, cough, red eyes and runny nose. One to four days later, a rash develops on the face and spreads to the rest of the body, hands and feet.
“If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, and know you were exposed to the measles virus, please remember to call your health care provider before going to their office to avoid spreading the disease to other patients and medical staff,” reminds Dr. Liepke.
A person with measles is considered contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days afterward. While the incubation period for measles is typically 7-14 days, symptoms can appear up to 21 days after exposure.
Anyone not protected from the measles virus is at risk of serious health complications. This includes children under the age of 5, adults over the age of 20, those with weakened immune systems and pregnant women. In fact, contracting measles during pregnancy can increase the risk of early labor, miscarriage and low-birth-weight infants.
Health Department staff continue to monitor the situation closely, providing ongoing guidance and prevention strategies.
To report a potential exposure, or learn more about the measles virus and vaccine, call your primary care provider or the health department’s Preventive Division at 315-349-3547.
For up-to-date reports on confirmed measles cases, click on New York State Department of Health’s (NYSDOH’s) measles dashboard. It is updated weekly, on Tuesday afternoons, and shows cases reported through Saturday of the previous week. For more general information about the measles virus, click on NYSDOH.
