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JAMESTOWN — The Chautauqua County Health Department is notifying the community about possible measles exposures at the UPMC Chautauqua Emergency Department, 207 Foote Ave., Jamestown.
People who tested positive for measles were at the hospital during these times:
Saturday, September 26, from 9:00 p.m. through Sunday, September 27, at 1:00 a.m.
Tuesday, September 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The people who tested positive for measles do not live in Chautauqua County.
The Chautauqua County Health Department is working with UPMC Chautauqua Hospital to identify and notify people who may have been exposed. People who are known to have been at the hospital during these times are being contacted by the Chautauqua County Health Department or the local health department where they live.
The risk of developing measles from these potential exposures is considered low. Many people in our community are protected against measles because they have been vaccinated or have measles immunity.
What You Should Do
If you were at UPMC Chautauqua Emergency Department during either of these times:
Find out if you are immune to measles. If you are not sure about your vaccination history, contact your healthcare provider or the Chautauqua County Health Department at 716-753-4491.
Watch for signs and symptoms of measles.
If you become sick, call your healthcare provider or emergency department before going for care. Tell them that you may have been exposed to measles. This will help them protect other patients and healthcare workers.
Do not go to work, school or other public places if you are sick.
If you develop symptoms or are diagnosed with measles, contact your local health department. Chautauqua County residents should call 716-753-4491. People who live in another county should contact the health department where they live.
People who may have been exposed on September 26 or 27 should watch for symptoms through Saturday, October 17. People who may have been exposed on September 29 should watch for symptoms through Tuesday, October 20.
Who is considered immune to measles?
A person is generally considered immune to measles if they:
Have records showing they received two doses of a measles vaccine, such as the MMR vaccine;
Have a blood test showing they are immune to measles or have laboratory confirmation that they had measles in the past; or
Were born before 1957. Being born before 1957 is generally considered evidence of immunity for most people.
If you are not sure whether you are immune, contact your healthcare provider or the Chautauqua County Health Department at 716-753-4491. They can help you determine whether you need any additional steps.
The Chautauqua County Health Department offers free MMR vaccinations Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at its Mayville office. MMR vaccine is also available at Mobile Health Clinics held throughout the county.