Diners At Popular Italian Eatery Might Have Been Exposed To Measles

BREWSTER, NY — The Putnam County Department of Health is confirming a single measles case locally.

Health officials said they have been notified of a positive case of measles. The patient is no longer contagious.

However, the Putnam County Department of Health (PCDOH) is trying to locate anyone who may have encountered the person, while contagious, to avoid further spread of the illness.

Measles is a serious, highly contagious disease that can spread through the air by coughing or sneezing, health officials said, adding that in rare cases, it can be deadly.

"Currently this is a single case of measles, and the individual is known to have contracted the illness while abroad," Health Director Rian Rodriguez said in a statement. "Please support the efforts of the health department as we work with partners to help others who may have been exposed locally, so that we can reduce the risk of measles spreading."

An infected person can spread measles from four days before to four days after the rash appears. The patient was only in one local establishment while considered contagious. Measles is not a foodborne illness, although the virus can live for up to two hours in airspace after an infected person leaves the area.

Anyone who visited Arturo's Tavern, located at 878 Route 6 in Mahopac, between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, is being urged to call the health department at 845-808-1390 and ask to speak with a nurse. A communicable disease nurse can help to determine exposure risk and suggest what action, if any, to take.

"Measles symptoms may begin with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat," Supervising Public Health Nurse Kathy Percacciolo said. "It is followed by a rash that spreads from the head downward over the body. If anyone with a potential exposure has these symptoms, call your doctor or the emergency room before you enter the building so that precautions can be taken to prevent spread in the heath care facility."

The best protection from measles is to be vaccinated with the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, health officials said. Individuals born before 1957, anyone who has had measles, or those who have proof of receiving two MMR vaccines, are less likely to become sick.

"The owner and staff at Arturo's Tavern have assisted in every way possible to help identify any additional exposures," Rodriguez said, thanking the popular restaurant. "They share our priority — to ensure the health and safety of our Putnam residents and guests."