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N.Y. (WBNG) — A case of measles has been confirmed in Tioga County and is being investigated, according to the Tioga County Department of Public Health
One confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated resident is being investigated by the health department after the case was confirmed on Thursday, Aug. 13
Since measles is a highly contagious airborne virus, public health officials conducted thorough contact tracing of the confirmed case
Tioga County Public Health has identified and reached out to those who may have come in contact with the positive case, the release said. Tioga County Public Health believes all individuals known to have been exposed have been identified
Tioga County Public Health wants you to be aware and check your immunity/vaccination status
You are generally protected from measles if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You have documented records of receiving two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine
- You were born before 1957.
- A healthcare provider has previously confirmed through a blood test that you are immune.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine offer 97% protection against contracting measles if exposed
If exposed, monitor your symptoms
Early symptoms appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (pink eye)
Additional symptoms include a red, blotchy rash that typically appears three to five days after initial symptoms begin, usually starting on the face along the hairline and spreading downward the rest of the body, the release said
Unvaccinated people, young infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people are at the highest risk for severe complications, health officials said
If you experience symptoms, call ahead before seeking treatment and do not walk into a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room without calling ahead first, health officials said
The overall risk of measles to the general public remains low, particularly for people who are fully vaccinated against it. Measles is extremely contagious, and anyone unvaccinated, pregnant, under 12 months of age, or immunocompromised is at a higher risk and should talk with their health care provider, Tioga County Public Health said
For questions regarding the county’s public health notice or measles vaccines, contact Tioga County Public Health at 607-687-8600 or visit the Tioga County Public Health website
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