Cortland County Confirms First Measles Case

The Cortland County Health Department has confirmed the county’s first case of measles following a recent regional spread of the potentially deadly virus.

The Health Department says it has been working collaboratively with the New York State Department of Health and local health care providers in response to the case.

The county resident is recovering at home, according to the Health Department. At this time, the risk to the general public is considered low.

Health Department staff are working to identify and notify anyone who may have had close contact with the individual during the infectious period. Anyone believed to have been potentially exposed will be contacted directly and provided with guidance and recommendations on next steps.

Measles is a vaccine-preventable illness that can cause serious health complications, including death. Residents are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as the best way to prevent infection.

According to the Health Department, individuals should receive two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to be fully protected. The overall risk to the general public remains low, particularly among people who are fully vaccinated. Measles poses the greatest risk to unvaccinated people, young children and those who are immunocompromised.

The virus spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms can develop anywhere from seven to 21 days after exposure.

The Health Department says measles can sometimes be mistaken for other respiratory illnesses. Symptoms may include a high fever, cough, runny or congested nose, sore throat and watery eyes. A red, blotchy rash may develop three to five days after the onset of cold-like symptoms, usually beginning on the face before spreading to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. The spots may join together as the rash spreads, and fever can rise above 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Anyone who develops symptoms is advised to call their health care provider before seeking medical care. The Health Department says people should not go directly to an emergency room, urgent care facility or doctor’s office without calling first, in order to avoid potentially exposing others to the virus.

Complications from measles can be serious and include very high fever, ear infections, pneumonia and encephalitis, or swelling of the brain. Measles can also result in permanent hearing or vision loss and learning disabilities. There is no specific cure for measles, but treatment can help relieve symptoms and manage complications.

The Health Department advises anyone who has not been vaccinated against measles or has received only one dose of the MMR vaccine to contact their health care provider about getting up to date on their vaccinations.

The Cortland County Health Department offers MMR and other vaccinations to county residents who are uninsured or underinsured. Residents can call 607-753-5036 to determine whether they qualify.