Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Health Department Issues Measles Advisory

The Monroe County Department of Public Health has been informed by the NYS Department of Health
that an individual who likely had measles traveled to our community and could have exposed others.

The risk of illness to others is considered to be low, as many people have immunity to measles either
from vaccination or having the disease. Those that are at higher risk include pregnant women, people
who are immune-compromised, infants and adults who either have not been vaccinated or have not had
measles.

There were dates during which Monroe County residents could have been exposed to the ill individual
on May 25, May 26 or May 27.

For exposures on May 27 listed below, an exposed individual may benefit from receiving preventive
treatment with Immune Serum Globulin (Gamma Globulin). Anyone at either of these locations at the
times noted who is not immune (see criteria below) and at high-risk should call the Monroe County
Department of Public Health to discuss the need for preventive treatment. For individuals with
exposures on May 27, preventive treatment must be given by June 2, 2011. Preventive treatment must
be given within 6 days of exposure to be effective.
• Marriott Hotel, 1890 West Ridge Road, on May 27 from 7:30am to 11 a.m.
• Greater Rochester International Airport, on May 27 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon.

Staff are available at the Health Department on Wednesday, June 1 through 8 p.m. and during business
hours on Thursday. Call (585) 753 – 5164

There is currently no-risk of measles at any of the above listed places.

For exposures on May 25 or May 26 listed below, it is too late to benefit from preventive treatment.
However, individuals with exposures on May 25 or 26 should watch for development of symptoms of
measles from 10 to 18 days after exposure. If they develop symptoms of measles they should contact
their health care provider. If symptomatic, people should inform doctor’s office prior to going into the
office.

• Greater Rochester International Airport, on May 25 from 2:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

• Marriott Hotel, 1800 West Ridge Road, from 6 p.m. May 25 through May 26
• Red Fedele’s Brook House, Elm Ridge Center Plaza, on May 25 from 7:30 p.m. to Midnight

There is currently no-risk of measles at any of the above listed places.

Individuals are considered immune to measles if they were born on or after January 1, 1957, OR
have a history of physician-diagnosed measles, OR have had a blood test confirming immunity OR
have received two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that is spread through the air from nasal or throat
secretions of infected individuals. Symptoms generally begin with a runny nose, cough, low fever,
reddened eyes, and progress into a rash and a high fever. The rash usually begins on the face and
spreads downward and outward, reaching the hands and feet. Symptoms of measles usually appear in
10 -12 days, but can occur as late as 18 days after exposure.
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Media Inquiries, Contact:

John Ricci at 753-5106