Measles Could Have Spread at Rockland Toy Store, Officials Say

A young child diagnosed with measles made his way around western Rockland last week, health officials said, possibly spreading the disease to others.

The county's health department first alerted residents to the measles case last Friday, and has since uncovered the victim's route around town—including stops at a toy store and supermarket.

"During the Health Department’s ongoing investigation, it was discovered that the individual with measles was at several locations," officials told Patch. "If you were at Toys 4 U or Supreme Health Food Center, located at 27 Orchard Street, Monsey on Monday, May 20th between 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., or the Hatzlacha Grocery Store, located at 80 West Street, Spring Valley on Wednesday, May 22 between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., you may be at risk for contracting measles."

"Individuals who may have been at these locations and are part of the high-risk group below may have been potentially exposed to measles," officials added.

Health officials said those in the "high-risk" group are pregnant women, children under six months of age and residents who were never vaccinated against measles.

"Although measles is usually considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age," said Kathleen Henry, Acting Commissioner of Health. "It is best for sick individuals to isolate themselves at home and to avoid going out of the home potentially exposing others."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in 10 children with measles will also develop an ear infection, and up to one in 20 will develop pneumonia.

"For every 1,000 children who get measles, one or two will die," the CDC writes.

Measles symptoms generally appear in two stages, Henry said. 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.

Officials said anyone at these locations during the above times should keep an eye out for symptoms until June 13.

Rockland health officials were not available to comment on the status of the child with measles.