Measles coming to Monsey?

The Rockland County Department of Health has identified a case of measles in Rockland County.

During the Health Department’s investigation, it was discovered that the individual with measles was at the Hatzlacha Grocery Store, located at 126 Maple Avenue in Spring Valley, on Wednesday, May 22nd. Individuals who may have been at this location between 1:30-4:30PM and part of the high - risk group below may have been potentially exposed to measles.

If you were present in the store at that time and are in any of the following high - risk groups, contact your doctor by phone right away:

* pregnant

* a child under 6 months of age

* immunocompromised or immunosuppressed ( when your body can’t fight disease)

* Or if you have not been vaccinated against the measles.

In the interest of preventing the spread of this highly communicable disease, the Rockland County Department of Health also asks individuals who may have been exposed and who have symptoms consistent with measles (fever & rash) to call their physician, health care provider or emergency room before going for care so that others are not exposed in a waiting room.

Measles symptoms generally appear in two stages: Early symptoms include a runny nose, cough and a slight fever. Eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light, while the fever consistently rises each day. Later symptoms begin on the third to seventh day and consist of a temperature of 103 -105 °F, and a red, blotchy rash lasting four to seven days. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads over the entire body. Little white spots may also appear on the gums and inside the cheeks. Symptoms usually appear in 10 -12 days, although they may occur as early as six or as late as 16 days after exposure.

Measles is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people, or less frequently, by airborne transmission. It is not spread by direct contact with food. Measles is one of the most readily transmitted communicable diseases. Although measles is usually considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age.

The Health Department is asking all health providers to immediately report all cases of suspect measles to the Rockland County Health Department Bureau of Communicable Disease Control by calling (845) 364-2663. Serologic testing should be performed on all suspects to confirm the diagnosis.

For additional information about measles, visit the New York State Department of Health’s website at http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/fact_sheet.htm .