A resident of Erie County has been diagnosed with measles.

Confirmed Measles Case in Erie County

The Erie County Department of Health has reported a confirmed case of measles, marking the first occurrence since 2018.

According to the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH), a resident has tested positive for the virus. The individual was diagnosed on June 3 after traveling to a region where measles is persistently present, indicating that the disease continually affects that area for extended periods.

This is noteworthy as it is the first confirmed case of measles in Erie County since 2018, which was also linked to travel.

ECDOH reported that the infected individual visited several locations in Erie County from May 24 to May 28. If you were in any of the following places during this time, there is a possibility you were exposed to the virus:

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Emergency Department (formerly Oishei Children’s Hospital), 818 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 on May 24, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

1021 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14212 on May 28, between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. This building hosts various services including the Jericho Road Community Health Center and others.

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Emergency Department (formerly Oishei Children’s Hospital), 818 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 on May 28, between 12 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

These times and dates represent when the individual was present in these areas, along with an additional two-hour period after they left. It’s important to note that the measles virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.

You are deemed immune to measles if you meet any of the following criteria:

Born before 1957, or

Received two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, or

Have previously contracted measles, or

Have a laboratory test confirming your immunity.

ECDOH recommends that anyone who thinks they might have been exposed, particularly individuals without confirmed immunity, to reach out to their healthcare provider if they start showing symptoms of measles. Symptoms can include fever, cough, watery eyes, a runny nose, and eventually a rash.

Additionally, it’s best for individuals to contact their healthcare provider, local clinic, or emergency department before arriving to minimize the risk of further exposure.