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The Chautauqua County Health Department is alerting residents that measles activity is occurring in parts of Western New York and neighboring states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania. It is encouraging everyone to take steps to protect themselves and their families.
Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, meaning people can be exposed without having direct contact with an infected individual.
The most important step residents can take is to make sure they are up to date on measles vaccination. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing approximately 97% protection against measles.
Residents should:
-- Check vaccination records to determine whether they have received the MMR vaccine series.
-- Contact their health care provider if they are unsure of their vaccination or immunity status.
Get vaccinated if they are not adequately protected.
-- Make sure children receive routine MMR vaccinations, with the first dose at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years.
-- Talk with a health care provider about vaccination before traveling to areas where measles activity has been reported.
"Measles is a highly contagious disease, but it is also preventable through vaccination," said Lacey Wilson, Chautauqua County Public Health Director. "Our goal is to make sure residents have the information and resources they need to protect themselves and their families. We are working closely with our health care and community partners to stay prepared, and we encourage anyone who is unsure of their vaccination status to review their records and talk with their health care provider about getting protected."
The CCHD offers free immunization clinics Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at its Mayville office, as well as Mobile Health Clinics throughout the county. Here is a list of upcoming mobile health clinics:
-- Friday, 9 to 1 p.m. at Trinity Church, 1230 Wigren Road, Frewsburg.
-- Wednesday, Sept. 9, 9:30 a.m. to noon at Abbe Reformed Church, 595 Clymer-Sherman Road, Clymer.
-- Friday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Troyer Greenhouse, 1669 Weeks Road, Panama.
-- Wednesday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fredonia Presbyterian Church, 219 Central Ave., Fredonia.
-- Thursday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at West Portland Baptist Church, 7081 US Route 20, Westfield.
-- Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Baptist Church of Ellington, 530 Route 62, Conewango Valley.
-- Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Salvation Army Food Distribution Center, 83 S. Main, Jamestown.
-- Monday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cherry Creek Country Church, 6813 North Main Street, Cherry Creek.
Visit HealthyCHQ.com to find more clinic dates or call (716) 753-4491 to schedule an appointment.