From The Monroe County Department of Public Health

An individual who tested positive for measles visited the Strong Memorial Hospital Emergency Department between 11 p.m. Monday, September 7 and 2 a.m. Tuesday, September 8 and may have exposed others to the disease. The individual is not a resident of Monroe County.

The Monroe County Department of Public Health and Strong Memorial Hospital are reviewing records of patients who were in the Emergency Department during the exposure period. Patients without documented evidence of immunity are being contacted by either the hospital or MCDPH, as appropriate. Because visitors and others accompanying patients may not be identifiable through hospital records, anyone else who was in the Adult Emergency Department and/or Pediatric Emergency Department between 11 p.m. Monday and 2 a.m. Tuesday should:

• Monitor for signs and symptoms of measles through September 28, 2026.

• If you do become ill, you should seek medical care immediately:

o Contact your health care provider or emergency department before seeking care to avoid exposing others to illness;

o Do not go to work, school or other public places; and

o Notify the local health department about your possible exposure to measles.

Residents of Monroe County should call 585-753-5555. All others, please call the local health department in the county where you live.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people. However, the risk of illness is considered to be low, as many people in our community have immunity to measles either from vaccination or having the disease. People who have not been vaccinated or previously had measles are at greatest risk of becoming infected. Among those who become infected, infants, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised are at greater risk of severe illness.

Symptoms of measles appear in 10-12 days after exposure but may take as long as 21 days. Symptoms generally appear in two stages. In the first stage, which lasts two to four days, the individual may have a runny nose, cough and a slight fever. Eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light while the fever gradually rises each day, often peaking as high as 103° to 105°F. Small bluish-white spots surrounded by a reddish area may also appear on the inside of the mouth.

The second stage begins on the third to seventh day and consists of a red blotchy rash lasting five to six days. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads downward and outward, reaching the hands and feet. The rash fades in the same order that it appeared, from head to extremities. A person can spread measles from 4 days before the onset of rash through 4 days after the rash begins. Although measles is usually considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age.

The single best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated. Individuals are recommended to receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine to be protected. To learn more about measles, visit monroecounty.gov/health-measles or health.ny.gov/publications/2170/.