Date: May 16, 2006

MEASLES ALERT – POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO PUBLIC
2nd Case in Nassau County

The Nassau County Department of Health is advising the public that they may have been exposed to measles if they were in the Stop & Shop Supermarket on Fulton Avenue in Hempstead between 9:00 A.M. and 1:30 P.M. on Thursday May 11th.  This individual had been exposed to the 2-year old girl who was confirmed with measles two weeks ago.

Measles symptoms generally appear in two stages: Early symptoms include a runny nose, cough and a slight fever.  Eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light, while the fever consistently rises each day. Later symptoms begin on the third to seventh day and consist of a temperature of 103-105 F, and a red, blotchy rash lasting four to seven days.  The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads over the entire body.  Little white spots may also appear on the gums and inside the cheeks. Symptoms usually appear in 10-12 days, although they may occur as early as seven or as late as 18 days after exposure.

Measles is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people, or, less frequently, by airborne transmission. It is not spread by direct contact with food.  Measles is one of the most readily transmitted communicable diseases.  Although measles is usually considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age. 

In the interest of preventing the spread of this highly communicable disease, the Nassau County Department of Health asks individuals who may have been exposed and who have symptoms consistent with measles, to CALL their physicians, health care providers or emergency rooms BEFORE going for care so that others are not exposed in a waiting room.   For individuals who were at the supermarket on May 11th, only between 9:00 A.M. and 1:30 P.M. symptoms may appear as early as May 17th or as late as May 27th, but most commonly would appear on or about May 20th.Although the individual with measles was only in the store between 9:00 A.M. and 10:30 P.M., there is the possibly that the virus may remain in the air for as long as three hours later.  Other sites, including a nursery school, an elementary school and the office where this person is employed, have been notified. 

Generally, people who have had two doses of measles vaccine or who have had physician-diagnosed measles are considered immune. Individuals who have had only one measles vaccine dose should obtain a second dose.

The Health Department also is asking all health providers to report IMMEDIATELY, by phone, all cases of suspect measles to the Health Department Bureau of Communicable Disease Control at 571-3471.  A blood test to confirm the diagnosis should also be obtained.