Chautauqua County Health Department Alerts Residents to Measles Activity in Surrounding Areas

MAYVILLE, N.Y. — The Chautauqua County Health Department (CCHD) is alerting residents that measles activity is occurring in parts of Western New York and neighboring states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania. The CCHD is encouraging everyone to take steps to protect themselves and their families.

Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, meaning people can be exposed without having direct contact with an infected individual.

The most important step residents can take is to make sure they are up to date on measles vaccination. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing approximately 97% protection against measles. 

Residents should:

• Check vaccination records to determine whether they have received the MMR vaccine series. 
• Contact their health care provider if they are unsure of their vaccination or immunity status. 
• Get vaccinated if they are not adequately protected. 
• Make sure children receive routine MMR vaccinations, with the first dose at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. 
• Talk with a health care provider about vaccination before traveling to areas where measles activity has been reported. 

“Measles is a highly contagious disease, but it is also preventable through vaccination,” said Lacey Wilson, Chautauqua County Public Health Director. “Our goal is to make sure residents have the information and resources they need to protect themselves and their families. We are working closely with our health care and community partners to stay prepared, and we encourage anyone who is unsure of their vaccination status to review their records and talk with their health care provider about getting protected.”

Photo Left: CCHD’s Mobile Health Vehicle; Photo Right: Child receiving immunization on Mobile Health Vehicle

Free MMR Vaccination Available

The CCHD offers free immunization clinics Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at its Mayville office, as well as Mobile Health Clinics throughout the county.  Here is a list of upcoming mobile health clinics: 

• Friday, September 4^th 9:00am-1:00pm at Trinity Church

1230 Wigren Road, Frewsburg, NY 14738

• Wednesday, September 9^th 9:30am - 12:00pm at Abbe Reformed Church

595 Clymer-Sherman Road, Clymer, NY 14724

• Friday, September 11^th 9:00am - 1:00pm at Troyer Greenhouse 

1669 Weeks Road, Panama, NY 14767

• Wednesday, September 16^th 11:00am - 2:00pm at Fredonia Presbyterian Church

219 Central Avenue, Fredonia, NY  14036

• Thursday, September 24^th 11:00am - 2:00pm at West Portland Baptist Church

7081 US Route 20, Westfield, NY 14787

• Tuesday, September 29^th 9:00am - 1:00pm at Baptist Church of Ellington

530 Route 62, Conewango Valley, NY 14726

• Wednesday, September 30^th 10:00am - 3:30pm at Salvation Army Food Distribution Center
  83 S Main, Jamestown, NY 14701
• Monday, October 5^th 9:00am - 1:00pm at Cherry Creek Country Church 

6813 North Main Street, Cherry Creek, NY 14723

Visit HealthyCHQ.com to find more clinic dates or call (716) 753-4491 to schedule an appointment.

Symptoms of measles may include:

• High fever 
• Cough 
• Runny nose 
• Red, watery eyes 
• A rash that typically begins on the face or hairline and spreads downward 

If you believe you have been exposed to measles or develop symptoms, call your health care provider before going to a medical office, urgent care or emergency department. Calling ahead allows medical staff to take precautions to protect other patients and staff from potential exposure.

Measles symptoms typically develop 7–14 days after exposure but can occur up to 21 days after exposure. If you believe you may have been exposed:

• Contact your health care provider or the CCHD for guidance. 
• Check your vaccination records to determine whether you are protected. 
• Monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. 
• If symptoms develop, call your health care provider before arriving at a medical facility and let them know you may have been exposed to measles.

People who are unsure whether they received the MMR vaccine should contact their health care provider or the CCHD for guidance.

CCHD is taking proactive steps to prepare for the possibility of measles cases in our community, including:

• Working with local hospitals, health care providers and community partners to ensure they are aware of regional measles activity and prepared to identify and respond to potential cases. 
• Supporting service areas throughout Chautauqua County to help ensure access to MMR vaccine. 
• Working closely with neighboring county health departments and New York State health officials to monitor regional activity and coordinate public health response. 
• Providing free MMR vaccination to eligible Chautauqua County residents. 
• Monitoring regional measles activity and providing information to residents as circumstances change. 

Residents are encouraged to get information from trusted health care and public health sources.

General measles information:

• Chautauqua County Health Department: HealthyCHQ.com  
• New York State Department of Health: health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles   
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov/measles 

For questions about measles or vaccination, contact your health care provider or the Chautauqua County Health Department at (716) 753-4491.

About Chautauqua County Health Department - The Chautauqua County Health Department is the leading Public Health organization in Chautauqua County dedicated to the support of the community’s health.  The Health Department takes innovative approaches to provide technical assistance to partner organizations, and offers various programs and services in order to help prevent disease, protect the public’s health and promote our community’s overall health and wellness.  For more information visit www.HealthyCHQ.com.