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Case of measles in Erie County

Erie County health officials say they are investigating a case of measles in the county, as well as possible public exposures.

Erie County health officials announced Wednesday they are investigating a case of measles in the county, as well as possible public exposure.

Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein says the person, a recent emigre, arrived at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital on December 10 and was diagnosed with measles.

This person visited multiple places in Erie County from December 4-11; including:

12/04/18

-Catholic Charities at 20 Herkimer Street 11am-5:30pm

-Erie County Department of Health Clinic at 608 William Street from 11:30am-4pm

12/05/18

-Sweet Home High School at 1909 Sweet Home Road from 5pm-10:30pm

12/0618
-Erie County Department of Social Services at 158 Pearl Street from 8am-1pm

-Erie County Department of Health Clinic at 608 William Street from 10:30am-2pm

-Catholic Charities at 20 Herkimer Street from 11:30am-3pm

-Erie County Department of Social Services at 158 Pearl Street from 12:30pm-4:30pm

-Aldi at 4259 Transit Road from 5pm and 9pm

-Best Buy at 4401 Transit Road from 6pm-9:15pm

-Marshalls at 2382 Maple Road between 6pm-10pm

12/10/18
-Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital Emergency Department from 9am-5:30pm

Officials say these dates and times reflect when the infected person was in those areas and a two-hour period after the individual left the area.  

"People can die from complications of a measles infection and so that’s why we are being very vigilant to notify Erie County residents of this potential exposure" said Burstein.

Dr. Burstein says you are immune to measles if you were born before 1957, received two doses of MMR vaccine, have previously had measles or had a lab test confirming immunity. 

You should check with your primary care provider to see if you are up to date on your vaccinations and call your primary care physician if you suspect you have been exposed.

Kaleida Health, which runs Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital issued this statement:

Hospital staff took immediate measures including placing the patient, who was clinically stable, on appropriate airborne isolation. The patient was treated and released.

As per protocol, the New York State Department of Health was notified and all patients, family members and hospital staff that were in the Emergency Department on Monday, December 10th (between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.) are being advised of the exposure.  They will be given follow up instructions.

The patients’ identity will not be released due to Federal privacy law.

Individuals with additional questions or concerns may contact the hospital’s Infection Prevention Office at (716) 568-3999, Erie County Department of Health at (716) 858-7697 or their primary care provider.

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