Health Dept. Warns of More Possible Exposure to Measles

From Health Dept.

Pomona, NY – The Rockland County Department of Health recently identified a case of measles in Rockland County. During the Health Department’s ongoing investigation, it was discovered that the individual with measles was at several locations.  If you were at Toys 4 U or Supreme Health Food Center, located at 27 Orchard Street, Monsey, NY 10952 (Shoppers Haven Mall) on Monday, May 20^th between 6 -8:15 PM, or the Hatzlacha Grocery Store, located at 80 West Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977, on Wednesday, May 22^nd between 1:30 – 4:30 PM, you may be at risk for contracting measles.

Individuals who may have been at these locations and part of the high-risk group below may have been potentially exposed to measles.  If you were present in these stores at the time noted above, and are in any of the following high-risk groups, contact your doctor by phone right away:

pregnant

a child under 6 months of age

immunocompromised or immunosuppressed ( when your body can’t fight disease)

Or if you have not been vaccinated against the measles

All others who were at these locations during the times of possible exposure should look for signs and symptoms of measles until and including June 12, 2013.

Measles symptoms generally appear in two stages: Early symptoms include a runny nose, cough and a slight fever.  Eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light, while the fever consistently rises each day. Later symptoms begin on the third to seventh day and consist of a temperature of 103 -105 °F, and a red, blotchy rash lasting four to seven days.  The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads over the entire body.  Little white spots may also appear on the gums and inside the cheeks.  Symptoms usually appear in 10 – 12 days, although they may occur as early as six or as late as 16 days after exposure.  Those who may have been exposed and who have symptoms consistent with measles (fever & rash) should call their physician, health care provider or emergency room before going for care so that others are not exposed in a waiting room.

Measles is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people, or less frequently, by airborne transmission (coughing or sneezing).  It is not spread by direct contact with food.  Measles is one of the most highly contagious communicable diseases. “Although measles is usually considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age.  It is best for sick individuals to isolate themselves at home and to avoid going out of the home potentially exposing others,” said Kathleen Henry, Acting Commissioner of Health.

The Health Department is asking all health providers to immediately report all cases of suspect measles to the Rockland County Department of Health’s Bureau of Communicable Disease Control by calling (845) 364-2663.  Serologic testing should be performed on all suspects to confirm the diagnosis.

For more information about measles, visit the New York State Department of Health’s website at http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/fact_sheet.htm

  measles, Rockland