The Seneca County Health Department has confirmed two additional measles cases and two presumed positive cases, health officials announced Thursday.
The latest cases bring the county's total number of confirmed cases to at least three this year. The health department said the overall risk to the public remains low, particularly for people who are fully vaccinated or were born before 1957 and are presumed to have natural immunity.
Who is most at risk?
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications. People at greatest risk include:
- Unvaccinated infants, children and adults
- Pregnant people
- People with weakened immune systems
The virus can spread through coughing and sneezing and can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella, or
MMR, vaccine are recommended for protection against measles. The health department said two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Symptoms can include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- A red, blotchy rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward three to five days after initial symptoms appear
What should residents do?
Residents should check their immunization records and make sure they and their families are up to date on MMR vaccinations, health officials said.
Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles should stay home and call a health care provider, urgent care center or emergency department before arriving. Calling ahead allows medical staff to take precautions to prevent exposure to other patients and staff.
The Seneca County Health Department offers MMR and other vaccinations to county residents who are uninsured or underinsured. Residents can call 315-539-1920 to determine whether they qualify.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Seneca County confirms 2 more measles cases, 2 presumed cases
