The good health of all students and staff is important to us. Please take a few moments to review this useful health information about measles from the Orange County Department of Health. As always, your student's trusted health care professional remains the best source of information.
The Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH) has confirmed three cases of measles in children under five years old living in Orange County as of today, May 8. Health officials are asking all residents to make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations to stay protected.
People who are immune to measles are not at risk of getting sick. A person is considered immune if they:
• Received two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Were born before Jan. 1, 1957
• Had a confirmed case of measles in the past, or
• Had a blood test showing immunity
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can also catch it by touching surfaces with the virus on them and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Measles can lead to serious health problems such as:
• Pneumonia (lung infection)
• Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
• Miscarriage or early birth
• Hospitalization
• Death
Measles Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to appear. They include:
• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
Three to five days after symptoms start:
• A red rash begins, usually starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body
• Small, raised bumps may appear on top of the red spots
• The rash can spread and merge together
• Fever may rise to over 104°F when the rash appears
A person with measles can spread it to others from 4 days before the rash appears to 4 days after the rash appears.
While measles is often thought of as a childhood disease, people of any age can get it. The best way to prevent measles is by being vaccinated.
MMR Vaccination
Most people in New York have already been vaccinated. If you're not sure about your vaccination status, talk to your doctor.
To be fully protected, a person needs two doses of the MMR vaccine:
• The first dose is usually given between 12 and 15 months of age
• The second dose is usually given between 4 and 6 years of age but can be given as soon as 28 days after the first dose.
People born before 1957 are likely immune because they were exposed to the virus as children. Those born between 1957 and 1971 should check with their doctor, as vaccines given during that time may not have worked well.
Thank you for your attention to this important information.