February 2, 2011

ADVISORY:  CASE OF MEASLES IN NASSAU COUNTY

Uniondale, NY - The Nassau County Department of Health today announced that a case of measles has been confirmed in a 9 month old child who resides in Nassau County.  The child recently traveled internationally to a location with known measles.

Residents may have been exposed to this individual with measles if they visited the following location on the date and times listed below:

Macy’s at Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City.  Exposure: Thursday, January 20 from 3:00 pm to 10:30 pm.

In our efforts to prevent the spread of illness, Nassau County Department of Health is advising individuals who may have been exposed and who have symptoms consistent with measles to call their health care providers or emergency rooms before going for care so that others are not exposed to the illness. 

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus and is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people.  Measles 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. The eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light while the fever gradually rises each day.  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. Symptoms of measles usually appear in 10 to 12 days but can occur as late as 18 days after exposure.  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.  Measles containing vaccine is recommended for anyone born on or after January 1, 1957, who does not have a history of physician-diagnosed measles or a blood test confirming measles immunity.  Individuals should receive 2 doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine to be protected.  The first dose should be at 12-15 months of age and the second dose should be given at 4 to 6 years of age (age of school entry). 

The Health Department has notified all emergency rooms, the Nassau County Medical Society and the Nassau County Pediatric Society that an individual with measles has been diagnosed in Nassau County.

For additional information about measles, visit the Health Department website at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html or call us at 516.227.9697.

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