Over 500 cases of measles have been reported in New York State since October 2018. While there have been no confirmed cases in Tioga County or the Southern Tier, Tioga County Public Health urges its residents to be prepared as we approach summer with increases in travel taking place by everyone.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, and only a few cases can lead to an epidemic. Barbara Bilbrey is the Supervising Public Health Nurse and she says the measles/mumps/rubella vaccine is generally given to children at 12 months old, and again between 4-6 years of age, and is highly effective in protecting against measles. Bilbrey said by receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine, individuals have a 97 percent chance of being protected against measles.
– Michael Baldwin
