Local measles cases likely contracted while traveling in Belgium

Measles was confirmed in three Orange County, N.Y. children under the age of five this week. According to the Orange County Department of Health, all three children who contracted the virus recently traveled to Belgium.

The Department of Health does not believe the children were traveling together; they are not immediate family members and do not live in the same household. It is unknown whether they were on the same plane.

“We believe that these are travel-related cases. Did they each encounter one single person with measles while abroad? We do not know at this time,” said Orange County Department of Health Deputy Commissioner Lisa Lahiff.

“Because these cases are not community-acquired, it is hard to call this an ‘Orange County outbreak’ at this time. Hopefully, these three cases of travel-related measles will not transmit the disease to others in Orange County.”

Health officials are asking all residents to make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations to stay protected.

“Protecting yourself and your loved ones from preventable diseases like measles is critically important,” said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus. “Vaccination is a safe and effective way to ensure the health and safety of our families and our community. I urge all residents to review their vaccination records and speak to their healthcare providers if they have any questions.”

Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can also catch it by touching surfaces with the virus on them and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

People who are immune to measles are not at risk of getting sick. People are considered immune if they:

• received two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine

• were born before January 1, 1957

• had a confirmed case of measles in the past

• had a blood test showing immunity

Those born before 1957 are likely immune because they were exposed to the virus as children. Those born between 1957 and 1971 should check with their doctor, as vaccines given during that time may not have worked well.

Vaccination

Most people in New York have already been vaccinated.

To be fully protected, a person needs two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose is usually given between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose is usually given between four and six years of age, but can be given as soon as 28 days after the first dose.

If you’re not sure about your vaccination status, talk to your doctor.

Measles can lead to serious health problems such as:

• pneumonia (lung infection)

• encephalitis (swelling of the brain)

• miscarriage or early birth

• hospitalization

• death

Measles Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to appear. They include:

• high fever

• cough

• runny nose

• red, watery eyes

Three to five days after symptoms start:

• A red rash begins, usually starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body

• Small, raised bumps may appear on top of the red spots

• The rash can spread and merge together

• Fever may rise to over 104 degrees Fahrenheit when the rash appears

A person with measles can spread it to others from four days before the rash appears to four days after the rash appears.

While measles is often thought of as a childhood disease, people of any age can get it. The best way to prevent measles is by being vaccinated.

What Health Providers Should Do

Healthcare providers should report any suspected measles cases immediately. Call the Orange County Department of Health at 845-291-2330, anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.