The Allegany County Department of Health is reporting a third confirmed measles case, bringing the county's total to three confirmed cases and at least 14 presumed positive cases.
The latest case was identified in the town of Independence and was not linked to the county's original confirmed case, according to an Aug. 18 health department update.
Public health officials said contact tracing and epidemiological investigations have identified potential exposure links involving horse auctions, as well as recent travel within New York and to Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Allegany County measles risk remains low
Health officials said the broad community risk across Allegany County remains low, but some groups face a higher risk of serious illness or complications from measles.
Those groups include:
- Unvaccinated people
- Infants younger than 1, who are too young for the standard MMR vaccine
- Pregnant women
- People with compromised immune systems, including those undergoing cancer treatment or chemotherapy
The risk remains very low for people who are fully vaccinated, according to the county.
Public health nurses continue to offer MMR vaccinations in impacted communities and are available for additional vaccination clinics.
Measles symptoms to watch for
Residents are urged to monitor for symptoms, particularly those who are unvaccinated, attend livestock or agricultural events or have traveled recently.
Symptoms can include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red or watery eyes
- A red, blotchy rash that typically begins on the face three to five days after initial symptoms
Health officials recommend that anyone who develops symptoms or believes they may have been exposed call their health care provider, urgent care center or emergency room before arriving in person. Calling ahead allows medical facilities to take precautions to protect other patients.
People who are sick or have been exposed should stay home to help prevent the spread of measles.
Check your MMR vaccination status
The Allegany County Department of Health is urging residents to check their vaccination records and make sure they are up to date on the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles, according to the county.
For more information about measles resources and local vaccination clinics, visit the Allegany County website or call 585-268-9250.
Seneca County reports separate measles case
The Seneca County Health Department also is investigating a confirmed measles case involving an unvaccinated county resident who recently traveled to Pennsylvania.
The New York State Department of Health notified the county of the case. The resident was transported to Cayuga Medical Center on Aug. 13, where samples were collected and sent to the state Wadsworth Center laboratory for testing.
The resident has since been discharged and is isolating at home while recovering.
The Seneca County Health Department is working with the state Department of Health on the investigation and contact tracing.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Allegany County reports third confirmed measles case, 14 presumed positive
