Lewis County health officials address ten new measles cases among unvaccinated residents
Ten measles infections have been confirmed in Lewis County, all involving people without vaccination; officials say the overall public risk remains low and are conducting isolation and contact tracing.
Lewis County public health officials reported ten new measles cases, each involving an unvaccinated resident. Those currently in the infectious stage are being isolated until they are no longer contagious, and health staff have reached out to everyone identified as having been exposed.
Officials said the overall risk to the broader community is low, particularly for individuals who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, were born before 1957, or have documented immunity. They emphasized that measles spreads easily through the air, making contact tracing a critical component of the response.
The agency advises residents to verify their vaccination status. Immunity is considered established after two MMR doses, birth before 1957, or a confirming blood test. Unvaccinated people, infants, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of severe complications.
People who develop symptoms or learn they have been exposed are instructed to stay home. Early signs typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the face downward.
Those who are unvaccinated, pregnant or immunocompromised and suspect exposure should contact a health-care provider or Lewis County Public Health promptly. Receiving the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure or immune globulin within six days can reduce the likelihood or severity of illness.
Health officials also asked anyone with symptoms or possible exposure to call ahead before visiting a clinic or emergency department, allowing facilities to take precautions and limit further spread. Measles can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, and about 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus will become ill.
For additional information or vaccination questions, residents can contact Lewis County Public Health at 315-376-5453.