The Chautauqua County Health Department is notifying the community about possible measles exposures at the Emergency Department of UPMC Chautauqua in Jamestown. Health officials say people who tested positive for measles were at the hospital on Saturday, September 26th at 9:00 AM through Sunday, September 27th at 1:00 AM; and Tuesday, September 29th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Those who tested positive do not live in Chautauqua County, according to the Health Department.
The Chautauqua County Health Department is working with the 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 the community are protected against measles because they have been vaccinated or have measles immunity.
Anyone who was at the UPMC Chautauqua Emergency Department during either of these times should do the following:
- 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 health care 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 health care 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 either September 26th or 27th should watch for symptoms through Saturday, October 17th. People who may have been exposed on September 29th should watch for symptoms through Tuesday, October 20th.
