Case of Measles Confirmed in Connecticut, 2 Cases in Putnam County
If you recently visited a popular fast food restaurant in the Hudson Valley, you may have been exposed to this highly contagious and sometimes fatal disease.
The Putnam County Department of Health confirmed three positive cases of measles stemming from the recent outbreak in the Hudson Valley. Two of the confirmed cases are individuals who live in Putnam County, the third across the New York State border in Connecticut.
All three are now isolated to avoid spreading, but it's expected more people were exposed prior to the three being isolated.
“Before these individuals were isolated, they may have exposed other people and we are working with local partners to identify all possible contacts," Interim Health Commissioner Michael J. Nesheiwat said in a press release.
Measles is a serious, highly contagious disease that can be spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. In rare cases, it can be deadly, according to the Putnam County Department of Health.
Health officials warn that anyone who was in the Subway restaurant at 3101 Route 22 in Patterson on Sunday, April 29, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., or in DeCicco & Sons in Brewster at 50 Independent Way on Tuesday, May 1 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., may have been exposed.
If you were at those locations, it's advised that you call the Putnam County Department of Health as soon as possible.
“Measles symptoms begin with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat,” Nesheiwat said. “It is followed by a rash that spreads over the body. If anyone has these symptoms, call the doctor or emergency room first. Do not go directly to a medical facility. Isolation procedures need to begin immediately upon arrival.”
As previously reported, health officials from New York State confirmed two tourists with measles from Europe visited Putnam and Orange counties as well as Brooklyn. They later visited Westchester County.
Health officials warn anyone who recently visited the following locations may have been exposed to measles:
- Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 873 New Jersey Avenue, Brooklyn
- Watchtower World Headquarters, 1 Kings Drive, Tuxedo Park
- Watchtower Educational Center, 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson
- Chestnut Mart (Mobil Station), Hutchinson River Parkway, White Plains
The pair were in Brooklyn on April 15 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Tuxedo Park on April 16 between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. On April 17, they were in Patterson between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and White Plains between 2:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.
The European tourists traveling with measles also resulted in the Red Line Diner in Fishkill being exposed.
According to the New York State Department of Health, measles is a serious respiratory disease that causes a rash and fever.
"It is very contagious. You can catch it just by being in a room where someone with measles coughed or sneezed," New York State Department of Health wrote on its website.
Symptom usually starts 10 to 12 days after a person is exposed. Symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose and red watery eyes.
A rash may appear two to four days after the fever and last five to six days, according to the New York State Department of Health.
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