CANTON — The St. Lawrence County Public Health Department (SLCPHD) is investigating a confirmed case of measles in a resident of St. Lawrence County. This individual was not vaccinated against measles.

Close contacts to the positive case have been identified and notified of the exposure.

There are no public exposures to announce at this time; if public exposure is identified, it will be announced on https://www.stlawco.gov/Departments/PublicHealth/Respiratory_Illness.

Measles is caused by a virus that is spread by coughing or sneezing into the air.

It can remain in the air for up to two hours, making it very contagious. People who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated are at the greatest risk of infection.

If you are fully vaccinated or were born before 1957, your risk of getting measles is extremely low.

“The MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent measles infection. The vaccine is considered safe and effective and provides strong protection against measles,” said St. Lawrence County Board of Health President Dr. Andrew Williams.

The two-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective at preventing disease. Unvaccinated people have a much higher rate of complications, including hospitalization.

Complications of measles could include pneumonia, encephalitis, miscarriage or preterm birth, and immune amnesia.

What residents should do

• Check your vaccination records. People are considered protected if they have two doses of MMR vaccine (for school-age children, adolescents, and most adults), or one dose for children 12–15 months who are not yet due for dose two, or laboratory evidence of immunity or prior measles infection.
• If you are not sure you are vaccinated, contact your healthcare provider to discuss getting the MMR vaccine.
• If you have a child 6 months-12 months who is not vaccinated yet, talk with your provider to discuss if they should receive the MMR early.
• If you develop fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a rash within 21 days after possible exposure, call ahead before going to a clinic or emergency department so precautions can be taken.

People who are sick with measles should stay home and avoid contact with others until cleared by public health.

Close contacts without evidence of immunity may be asked to stay home for up to 21 days after their last exposure.

For more information on measles, visit the SLCPHD website at https://www.stlawco.gov/Departments/PublicHealth/Respiratory_Illness, or the New York State Department of Health at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/.