As Measles Cases Rise, The Cortland County Health Department Encourages Vaccination

As measles cases continue to rise in New York State, including the Finger Lakes and Central New York Regions, the Cortland County Health Department is encouraging residents to take the best step to prevent contracting the disease, vaccination. No cases have been reported in Cortland County, but the health department has warned cases have been reported in several surrounding counties including: Tioga, Otsego, and Madison.

According to the health department, individuals are recommended to receive 2 does of MMR vaccine to be fully protected. Though they say the overall risk remains low, especially for those fully vaccinated, measles is especially dangerous for those who are unvaccinated, young children, and those immunocompromised.

The measles virus is easily spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms can take 7 to 21 days from exposure to occur. Measles can often be mistaken for other respiratory illnesses, as symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny or congested nose, sore throat and watery eyes. A red and blotchy rash may occur within 3-5 days following the start of cold-like symptoms, with the rash usually appearing on the face first. The rash may spread down the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet, and spots may join together as they spread. When the rash appears, fever temperatures may rise above 104° Fahrenheit.

The health department says if you develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider. You should not go to the Emergency Room, Urgent Care, or doctor’s office without first calling to avoid potentially exposing others to the virus.

“Complications from measles are serious and include very high fever, ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Risks also include permanent loss of hearing, vision, and the development of learning disabilities. There is no cure for measles, only treatment for symptom relief.” The health department says.

The health department has advised anyone who has not been vaccinated against measles or has had only one dose to contact their healthcare provider to get up to date with their vaccination. The health department offers the measles vaccination, MMR, and other vaccinations for county residents who are underinsured or uninsured. You can call 607-753-5036 to learn more and to see if you may qualify.