Oswego County Confirms First Measles Case in Over 25 Years

OSWEGO COUNTY – Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor announced today that an unvaccinated adult resident has tested positive for the measles virus. The individual is recovering and no longer contagious to others. To protect patient privacy, no additional patient information will be released.

“Measles is very infectious, so the two most important things right now, are for people to be aware of its symptoms so it can be diagnosed as soon as possible, and to take care not to spread it to others,” said Oswego County Legislator Paul House, District 8, chairman of the Legislature’s Health Committee. “We are working hard to protect our communities, so the county health department is doing contact tracing to identify and reach out to anyone who may have been exposed.”

While contagious, the patient visited Walmart, located at 341 NYS Rte. 104 in Oswego, on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Anyone who visited the store between 9 a.m. and noon that day could have been exposed to the measles virus and should call the Oswego County Health Department at 315-349-3547 if they have questions.

Staff members closely monitor anyone who may have been exposed to ensure that they receive appropriate follow-up, are aware of potential symptoms and provide additional guidance to guard against further transmission.

“We know there have been measles outbreaks in other parts of the country, so we’re trying to prevent that from happening here,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “With several cases in surrounding counties and now this case here, we strongly urge people to be aware of the symptoms and to call their health care provider before they go to their office. Medical staff will tell you the best way to be seen, diagnosed and treated.

“Don’t forget, the best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated,” she emphasized. “Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective at preventing disease, so check your vaccination status and keep your kids’ vaccinations on track as well.”

The health department just announced a free MMR vaccination clinic for county residents. It runs from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at the Nick Sterio Public Health Clinic, 70 Bunner St., Oswego. Call 315-349-3547 to make the required appointment.

“We offer routine immunization clinics to supplement residents’ visits to their primary care providers,” Dunsmoor said. “The vaccines we offer not only help protect children and adults from preventable diseases such as the measles but also help build ‘herd immunity’ to safeguard our communities from an outbreak.”

For optimal protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose given to children aged 12 to 15 months, and the second dose given between 4 to 6 years of age.

Only those who have received their two doses of the MMR vaccine, have a lab report citing immunity to the measles virus, and most people born before 1957, are considered immune. Those unsure of their vaccination status should call their health care provider or the county health department.

The measles virus is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is easily spread by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include a fever, cough, red eyes, runny nose and possible ear infections or diarrhea. One to four days after these symptoms start, a rash develops. It appears on the face first, then spreads downward and outward to the rest of the body, including hands and feet.

A person with measles is considered contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days afterward. While the incubation period for measles is typically 7-14 days, symptoms can appear up to 21 days after exposure.

Anyone not protected from it is at risk of serious health complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain tissue), especially those under 5 years of age. Measles during pregnancy can increase the risk of early labor, miscarriage and low-birth-weight infants.

To make a vaccination appointment, report a potential exposure, or learn more about the measles virus and vaccine, call your primary care provider or the health department’s Preventive Division at 315-349-3547. Click on New York State Department of Health for more information.

The Legislature’s Health Committee oversees the Health Department. In addition to Legislator House, committee members include Vice Chairman Roy E. Reehil, District 5; Gena Bartlett, District 24; Dorothy Caldwell, District 17; Richard Kline, District 12; Michael Solowy, District 23; and Lee B. Walker, Jr., District 15.