Putnam Measles Outbreak Spreads

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY -- Three more measles cases have been reported as part of the outbreak in Putnam County. Nearby, the Orange County Health Department issued a warning Friday about potential measles exposure at a medical facility in Monroe.

Moreover, the New Jersey Health Department issued a warning for people who traveled through Newark Airport.

Measles is a serious, highly contagious disease that can be spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. In rare cases it can be deadly.

The Putnam outbreak now involves six people from three states and overseas. First announced May 4, it was started by an international traveler to the county.

Putnam health officials said two of the new cases are California residents and one is a Putnam resident. The initial victims were two local residents and a Connecticut resident.

Anyone who was in the Subway restaurant on 3101 Route 22 in Patterson between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. April 29, or in DeCicco & Sons in Brewster at 50 Independent Way between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. April 30, may have been exposed.

The Putnam outbreak started with an international family from France who was visiting at the Watchtower headquarters in Patterson. So far 90 people have been interviewed because they may have been exposed.
Other tourists to the Watchtower caused a measles alert earlier in April.

Anyone who may have been exposed at the eatery or the supermarket should call the Putnam County Department of Health as soon as possible to understand their possible risk and what action to take. Public health nurses will be available by calling at 845-808-1390.

"Measles symptoms begin with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat," said Putnam Interim Health Commissioner Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD. "It is followed by a rash that spreads over the body. If anyone has these symptoms, call the doctor or emergency room first."

"Do not go directly to a medical facility," he warned possible victims. "Isolation procedures need to begin immediately upon arrival."

The Orange County Department of Health is advising residents of a potential measles exposure April 29 at a Monroe medical facility as a result of an infected traveler.

Residents who were at the medical office of Dr. Vladimir Zelenko at 745 Route 17M, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., or in the lobby or communal areas of the first and second floor, or at BioReference Laboratory in the building, between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., may have been exposed.

Questions regarding measles and exposure can be addressed to the Orange County Department of Health, Nursing Division at (845) 291-2330.

There's also a new warning out for anyone who passed through Terminal C at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 2.

The New Jersey Department of Health issued an advisory on Friday, warning residents that two individuals with measles may have recently exposed others in the state. According to state health officials:

"In two unrelated incidents, an individual with measles stopped briefly in the state on April 30 while on a tour bus traveling from Niagara Falls, New York to Washington DC, and a Bergen County resident developed measles after contact with an international traveler who was ill with measles."

Exposed individuals could develop symptoms as late as May 23. Anyone who visited specific locations at specific timesshould contact a health provider immediately to discuss potential exposure and risk of developing the illness, the NJDOH stated.

"Two doses of measles vaccine are about 97 percent effective in preventing measles," said Christina Tan, New Jersey state epidemiologist. "We urge everyone to check to make sure they and their family members are up-to-date on measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, it protects others around you who are too young to get the vaccine or can't receive it for medical reasons."

SEE ALSO:

• Measles Outbreak Includes CT, HV Cases
  
• Newark Airport Measles Alert Is 3rd This Year
• Tourists With Measles Visited Hudson Valley Locations
• 2 Cases Of Measles Confirmed In New Haven County

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