PCDOH Confirms Measles Outbreak, Three Cases Confirmed With More Exposures Possible

Brewster, NY— The Putnam County Department of Health has confirmed three positive cases of measles. Two are Putnam residents and the third lives in Connecticut. All have been isolated to avoid spreading the disease further. Measles is a serious, highly contagious disease that can be spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. In rare cases it can be deadly.

“Before these individuals were isolated, they may have exposed other people,” explains interim Health Commissioner Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD., “and we are working with local partners to identify all possible contacts.”

Anyone who was in the Subway restaurant, 3101 Route 22 in Patterson, on Sunday April 29, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., or in DeCicco & Sons in Brewster at 50 Independent Way (at Route 312 and I84) on Tuesday, May 1 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., may have been exposed. They should call the Putnam County Department of Health as soon as possible to understand their possible risk and what action to take. Public health nurses will be available by calling at 845-808-1390.  Those individuals who were born before 1957, or who have had measles disease or who have been vaccinated with MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) may still retain full or partial immunity.

“Measles symptoms begin with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat,” continues Dr. Nesheiwat. “It is followed by a rash that spreads over the body. If anyone has these symptoms, call the doctor or emergency room first. Do not go directly to a medical facility.

Isolation procedures need to begin immediately upon arrival.”

The mission of the Putnam County Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), is to improve and protect the health of the Putnam

County community, composed of nearly 100,000 residents. Core services include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, environmental health protection, family health promotion and health education. For more information, please visit our County website at www.putnamcountyny.com; or visit our social media sites on Facebook at www.facebook.com/putnamhealth  and Twitter @PutnamHealthNY.