Measles Cases Confirmed in New York
The New York State Department of Health (DOH / the Department) has issued a health advisory regarding confirmed measles cases in multiple under-immunized communities across New York State.
Since July 13, confirmed cases have been identified in unvaccinated individuals in Allegany, Chenango, Madison, Otsego, Seneca, Steuben and Tioga counties. Local transmission has occurred, and measles virus has also been detected in wastewater samples in Montgomery and Yates counties.
What Home Care Providers Need to Know
Measles is highly contagious. An infected person can spread the virus from four days before through four days after the onset of a rash, meaning transmission can occur before measles is recognized.
Signs and symptoms generally appear 7–21 days after exposure and may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose (coryza)
- Red or watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- A generalized rash, which usually begins on the face and spreads downward over the body and may include the palms and soles
- Koplik spots, small white-to-blue spots inside the cheeks that may appear several days before the rash
Symptoms may be mild, absent or atypical in people who have some immunity to measles, including previously vaccinated individuals.
What Agencies Should Do
Home care providers should:
- Educate staff about the signs and symptoms of measles and instruct employees to promptly report potential exposure or symptoms in accordance with agency infection-control procedures.
- Be alert for symptoms among patients and clients, particularly fever accompanied by rash, cough, runny nose or conjunctivitis.
- Ask about possible measles exposure when symptoms are reported, including recent travel or contact with someone who has or may have measles.
- Review staff and patient immunization status as appropriate and encourage individuals who are not up to date on measles vaccination to consult their health care provider.
- Avoid unnecessary exposure. Anyone who suspects they have measles should contact a health care provider before arriving at a medical office or emergency department so appropriate infection-control precautions can be taken.
- Follow appropriate infection-control precautions and use PPE when measles is suspected. NYSDOH recommends Standard plus Airborne Precautions in health care settings.
- Act quickly following a known exposure. Individuals without evidence of immunity may be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis. MMR vaccine may provide protection when given within 72 hours of exposure, while immune globulin may be appropriate in certain circumstances within six days of exposure. Individuals should be referred promptly to their health care provider or local health department for guidance.
Suspected measles cases must be reported immediately to the local health department where the patient resides. Do not wait for laboratory confirmation before reporting.
NYSDOH is also urging health care providers to educate patients about measles vaccination and ensure patients are up to date on recommended vaccination.
Please share this information with appropriate clinical, infection-control and operational staff and review your agency’s procedures for identifying and responding to a suspected measles case or exposure.
