While there have been no official cases of measles reported in Chautauqua County at this time, the county's Health Department is alerting residents about measles activity occurring in other parts of Western New York and neighboring states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania. County health officials are encouraging everyone to take steps to protect themselves and their families.
Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, meaning people can be exposed without having direct contact with an infected individual.
According to the Chautauqua County Health Department, the most important step residents can take is to make sure they are up to date on measles vaccination. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing approximately 97% protection against measles.
Residents should:
- Check vaccination records to determine whether they have received the MMR vaccine series.
- Contact their health care provider if they are unsure of their vaccination or immunity status.
- Get vaccinated if they are not adequately protected.
- Make sure children receive routine MMR vaccinations, with the first dose at 12–15 months and the second at 4-6 years.
- Talk with a health care provider about vaccination before traveling to areas where measles activity has been reported.
The Chautauqua County Health Department offers free immunization clinics Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at its Mayville office, as well as Mobile Health Clinics throughout the county. Here is a list of upcoming mobile health clinics where the MMR vaccine series will be available:
- Friday, September 4th, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Trinity Church, 1230 Wigren Road in Frewsburg
- Wednesday, September 9th, 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Abbe Reformed Church, 595 Clymer-Sherman Road in Clymer
- Friday, September 11th, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Troyer Greenhouse, 1669 Weeks Road in Panama
- Wednesday, September 16th, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Fredonia Presbyterian Church, 219 Central Avenue in Fredonia
- Thursday, September 24th, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at West Portland Baptist Church, 7081 Route 20 in Westfield
- Tuesday, September 29th, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Baptist Church of Ellington, 530 Route 62 in Conewango Valley
- Wednesday, September 30th, 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM at the Salvation Army Food Distribution Center, 83 South Main Street in Jamestown
- Monday, October 5th, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Cherry Creek Country Church, 6813 North Main Street in Cherry Creek
Visit HealthyCHQ.com to find more clinic dates or call (716) 753-4491 to schedule an appointment.
