Know the Symptoms and Check your Status
(BROOME COUNTY, NY)- The Broome County Health Department (BCHD) urges residents to review their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination status and take precautions to help prevent the spread of measles. There are currently no confirmed cases of measles in Broome County, although cases have been reported in surrounding counties.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can spread easily from person to person. Symptoms typically begin 7–14 days after exposure to someone with measles and may include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Two to three days after symptoms begin, an infected person may develop tiny white spots (Koplik spots) that appear inside the mouth. The measles rash appears 3-5 days after the first set of symptoms. The rash typically begins on the face before spreading down to the rest of the body. Some individuals may develop other health complications like diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, or encephalitis and require hospitalization. Measles infections may also cause a person’s immune system to reset, hurting their ability to fight off other infections.
Measles can resemble other common illnesses. It is important to recognize the symptoms and take appropriate precautions. Individuals who develop symptoms and have known exposure to a measles case should contact their local health department or healthcare provider before visiting a healthcare facility to help prevent exposures and potential spread. Depending on an individual’s vaccination status and evidence of immunity, they may be advised to monitor for symptoms and follow public health guidance regarding quarantining for 21 days after exposure. People born before 1957 are likely to be immune from previous exposure. Individuals with written documentation of two valid doses of MMR vaccine are considered to have immunity against measles. Vaccination within 72 hours of exposure with the MMR vaccine may provide protection against measles for those without evidence of immunity.
If you have never been vaccinated for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), or are unsure of your status, check with your healthcare provider about getting the MMR vaccine. This vaccine has been given for over 50 years and is the best protection we have against measles. Children should receive their first dose between 12-15 months and their second dose between 4-6 years. If you are missing a dose, it is never too late to catch up.
