Chautauqua County measles numbers likely higher than one
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Chautauqua County health officials say they are working with under-vaccinated parts of the county, especially now that a measles case has been confirmed locally and is likely higher than officially known.
On Aug. 31, the county announced its first lab-confirmed measles case in a county resident in more than 30 years. The municipality of the individual has not been disclosed.
During the Chautauqua County Board of Health meeting, Public Health Director Lacey Wilson said while vaccination rates are generally high countywide, there are some ZIP codes with only 9 to 10% of the population vaccinated.
After the meeting, Wilson said it's specifically Ellington with the single digit vaccination rate. She added that Clymer and Panama also have low vaccination rates.
The state has launched a measles dashboard, similar to what was used during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the dashboard, while Chautauqua County has one confirmed lab case, Erie County has two, Allegany County has six and Steuben County has 10. No other Western New York county has any confirmed cases.
Wilson said while there has only been one confirmed lab case, there may be more unconfirmed cases. "We know that if somebody is living with somebody that has a communicable disease, and they are with them during the time frames, even if that person living with them isn't tested and lab confirmed, from an epidemiological standpoint, you could very much consider that person to be a confirmed case by association," she said.
Health Board member Dr. Robert Berke said those who unknowingly have measles may travel elsewhere. "The problem you face is these communities do not just stay in these communities. They're cleaning homes, they're working on roofs, they're doing carpentry. They're doing all kinds of things and they represent a tremendous risk, especially for the other population of unvaccinated folks who feel that they just don't want to vaccinate their kids," he said.
Wilson said since the positive lab case has been confirmed, there has been more interest in some people getting vaccinated at some of their vaccination clinics. "There were multiple people that have come forward for the first time, never having received a vaccine ever before," she said.
Wilson said the Health Department encourages vaccination. "It's preventable. Do what you can to help protect yourself and others. Vaccination is the most effective way of prevention," she said.
The county has a free measles immunization clinic scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ellington Baptist Church, 530 Rt. 62, Conewango and another one on Friday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trinity Church, 1230 Wigren Road, Frewsburg. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted. There are others scheduled for later in October. For more information call 716-753-4491 or visit the Chautauqua County Health Department's website.