First Measles Case Confirmed In Orange County Infant

ORANGE COUNTY, NY — A new measles case has been confirmed in the Hudson Valley, according to Orange County.

One case of measles has been diagnosed in an infant in Orange County. There are two unrelated additional suspected cases under investigation, according to health officials.

The Orange County Department of Health is telling doctors to have office staff to screen patients by phone prior to making appointments and be prepared to isolate patients who are reporting symptoms of measles to avoid potential transmission in the office.

Health officials are also providing guidance to doctors to help contain the disease and help their patients stay safe.

• Providers should have a high index of suspicion in patients who present with symptoms of measles and a history of recent travel, especially if they are unvaccinated.
• Recommend that children aged 6 to 11 months who are traveling to receive a dose of MMR prior to travel. This dose does not count towards the two-dose series.
• If you see a patient who may have measles, report the case to OCDOH IMMEDIATELY at (845) 291-2330, twenty-four hours a day. Do not wait for laboratory confirmation before reporting.
• Institute immediate airborne precautions for patients with febrile rash illness.
• Ensure that all children and adults are up-to-date with MMR vaccine. Vaccinate children routinely with the first dose of MMR at 12 months and the second dose at 4 to 6 years.
• Identify patients who are not up-to-date for MMR and recall those over 12 months of age who have not yet received a dose of MMR vaccine.
• Ensure all health care workers are immune to measles. If you're considering measles in the differential diagnosis, call OCDOH at (845) 291-2330 IMMEDIATELY before you test, 24 hours a day.