Health Dept. Confirms Single Measles Case

The Putnam County Department of Health has been notified of a positive case of measles.

The individual is no longer contagious. However, an investigation is underway to locate anyone who may have encountered the person while contagious to avoid further spread of the illness.

Anyone who visited Arturo’s Tavern at 878 Route 6 in Mahopac between 6 and 10 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, should 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 is a serious, highly contagious disease that can spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. In rare cases it can be deadly. It is not a foodborne illness, although the virus can live for up to two hours in airspace after an infected person leaves the area.

“Currently, this is a single case of measles, and the individual is known to have contracted the illness while abroad,” said Health Director Rian Rodriguez. “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 a rash appears. Fortunately, the positive individual was only in one local establishment while considered contagious.

“Measles symptoms may begin with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat,” said Kathy Percacciolo, RN, supervising public health nurse. “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.”

Rodriguez was quick to add a note of thanks to Arturo’s Tavern, saying, “The owner and staff at Arturo’s Tavern have assisted in every way possible to help identify any additional exposures. They share our priority – to ensure the health and safety of our Putnam residents and guests.”

According to the health department, the best protection from measles is to be vaccinated with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. 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.