St. Lawrence Co. Public Health reminds public to be aware of measles
As of April 17, the Center for Disease Control said that a total of 800 confirmed measles cases were reported by 25 jurisdictions: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.
NYSDOH urges all New Yorkers to be fully vaccinated against measles before traveling
A total of two deaths are confirmed to be from measles with another under investigation. According to SLCPHD, 96-percent of cases the cases reported to date occurred in individuals who were unvaccinated or did not have a confirmed vaccination status; those confirmed dead were also unvaccinated.
Dr. Andrew Williams, President of the St. Lawrence County Board of Health, reminds residents that measles is a serious, potentially deadly disease that is easily prevented by a safe, effective vaccine. Adults who are not currently vaccinated, or parents/guardians of unvaccinated children, should contact their medical provider, local pharmacy, or the Department of Health immediately and arrange for vaccination. Protect yourself, your family, and the community.
SLCPHD said the disease can pose health risks for individuals of all ages; however, certain groups are more susceptible to complications, including children under the age of five, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Complications associated with measles can include pneumonia, encephalitis, miscarriage, preterm birth, hospitalization, and even death.
To prevent the disease, consult your healthcare provider about the MMR vaccine, particularly if you plan to travel. St. Lawrence County residents seeking the MMR vaccine have several local pharmacy options. Pharmacies offering MMR vaccinations in St. Lawrence County include Kinney Drugs and Walmart Pharmacy.
County residents are advised to contact their preferred pharmacy in advance to confirm vaccine availability and to schedule an appointment. The MMR vaccinations are also available through the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (315) 386-2325.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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