With four confirmed cases of measles recently reported in neighboring Orange County and over 1,000 cases nationwide this year, local health officials are urging residents to take action to prevent a wider outbreak.

Dr. Jodi Galaydick, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist with Garnet Health Doctors, emphasized the highly contagious nature of the virus during a recent interview with Radio Catskill. "Measles is airborne," Dr. Galaydick explained. "It can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves."

Recognizing the Symptoms

Measles often begins with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A telltale rash typically follows three to five days after initial symptoms, starting on the face and spreading downward.

Dr. Galaydick warned that individuals are contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after. "It’s extremely infectious—if 10 unvaccinated people are exposed, nine will likely get sick."

Do Not Walk In—Call First

Residents who suspect they have measles are urged not to visit clinics or hospitals without calling first. “We ask people to call ahead to prevent exposing vulnerable individuals—babies, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems,” said Dr. Galaydick. Healthcare providers will advise on safe next steps.

Vaccination Remains the Best Defense

The two-dose measles vaccine, given first between 12-15 months and again at ages 4-6, is up to 97% effective. Amid rising vaccine hesitancy, Dr. Galaydick stressed that the measles vaccine is safe and has no link to autism—a myth long debunked by scientific research.

“We’ve had three measles-related deaths in the U.S. this year alone,” she noted. “These were preventable.”

Travel and Community Awareness

With summer travel approaching, parents are advised to speak with their pediatricians. In some cases, an early dose may be appropriate for infants as young as six months traveling to higher-risk areas.

Dr. Galaydick concluded with a call to action: “Promote vaccination, fight misinformation, and know the symptoms. Community awareness is key to preventing a broader outbreak.”

For more information, residents should contact their healthcare provider or the local health department.