Measles
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. This means measles spreads very easily through the air or on surfaces when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If one person has measles, 9 out of 10 people that come into contact with the infected person will become infected if they are not protected.
People can get measles by entering a room that a person infected with measles visited up to two hours before. People infected with measles can spread the virus to others from 4 days before through 4 days after the rash appears.
Measles Cases and Outbreaks:
- New York State Department of Health Measles Update
- United States Measles Cases and Outbreaks
- Global Measles Outbreaks
- Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin 7-21 days after exposure to the measles virus.
Common symptoms:
- High fever (can spike above 104°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots (Koplik Spots) may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms start
- Rash typically appears 3-5 days after symptoms begin, starting on the face and spreading downward
Complications can include:
- Ear infections
- Diarrhea
- More severe issues: pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death
- Who Is At Risk?
Anyone not protected against measles is at risk.
Those at higher risk for complications:
- Children under age 5
- Adults over age 20
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
- How To Prevent Measles
The best protection is the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. It’s safe, effective, and has been used for decades.
- 2 doses are about 97% effective against measles
- 1 dose are about 93% effective against measles
- What If I’ve Been Exposed to Measles?
Being in close contact to a person with measles, either through air or surfaces means you have been exposed to measles. This includes being in spaces where a person with measles was present up to 2 hours after they left. A person is contagious (can spread disease) 4 days before rash onset (start) and 4 days after rash onset.
If you're not immune and think you’ve been exposed:
- Call your health care provider or emergency room before being seen. If you have measles, you could spread it to others. They can tell you the best way to get checked without infecting others.
- You might still be able to get the MMR vaccine, even after exposure
- Within 72 hours: could prevent or reduce illness
- St. Lawrence County Frequently Asked Questions
Have there been cases of measles in New York State?
Yes, a map and graphs of the total number of cases can be found on the NYS DOH dashboard. Information is updated on a regular basis. https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/data.htm
Have there been any cases of measles in St. Lawrence County?
Yes, there has been one confirmed case of measles and five household members who have symptoms indicating measles.
Were the positive cases vaccinated for measles?
No.
Is SLCPHD tracing any exposures?
Yes, SLCPHD reviews the details of every case to identify those exposed and let others know if they have potentially been exposed.
Have any people been exposed?
At this time, no contacts have been identified.
What happens if SLCPHD staff tells me I may have been exposed to measles?
SLCPHD staff will ask if you have ever been vaccinated for measles or had measles in the past. You may be asked to provide a record of your vaccination. Staff will talk with you about what symptoms to watch for and what to do if you start to feel sick.
Does SLCPHD clinic have the measles (MMR) vaccine?
Yes, but an appointment is required. We offer free or sliding scale fee vaccines. To schedule an appointment please call 315-229-3452, feel free to leave a message and someone will call you back to set up the appointment.
Will SLCPHD have a measles vaccination clinic in the community?
At this time a measles vaccination clinic in the community has not been scheduled. But we may hold one in the future.
Additional information can be found here: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/
- Measles Quick Links
Quick Links
Wastewater Data for Avian Influenza A(H5) | National Wastewater Surveillance System | CDC
CDC COVID Data Tracker: Wastewater Surveillance
RSV Wastewater Data – Current Levels | NWSS | CDC
CDC COVID Data Tracker: Maps by Geographic Area
CDC COVID Data Tracker: Wastewater Surveillance
COVID-19 Data in New York | Department of Health (ny.gov)
