OLEAN — Measles is making a comeback in the United States, and New York is one of 17 states currently experiencing measles outbreaks.
Cattaraugus County Public Health Director Dr. Kevin D. Watkins also said Wednesday that although there are no known cases of measles in the county, low vaccination rates are a concern for health officials.
The county's large Amish population also contributes to the county's 77% measles vaccination rate. The Amish, like other religious groups, generally avoid vaccinations because of their religious beliefs. This contributes to low vaccination rates despite state laws regarding vaccinating school-going children.
“The higher the vaccination rate, the lower the risk,” Watkins said.
Measles vaccination rate in Allegany County is 76%.
Watkins said children are typically vaccinated against measles at 6 months of age and again between the ages of 4 and 6.
When children get measles, complications include diarrhea, ear infections, and brain swelling. This disease can cause miscarriage and low birth weight of the baby.
“Vaccination is highly effective,” Watkins stressed.
Measles was nearly eradicated from the United States in 2000, Watkins said. Herd immunity against highly contagious measles is achieved with a vaccination rate of 95%.The virus is not only airborne, but can also remain on surfaces for up to two hours
New guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can help people know when they are contagious with COVID-19, influenza, or RSV.
Watkins told health committee members on Wednesday that as symptoms such as fever, cough and runny nose improve, the chance of infection decreases and people can resume work and other daily activities with precautions in place. Stated.
Watkins said the onset of symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, cough and runny nose is a signal to “stay home and stay away from others in your home.” “This allows people to return to normal activities sooner if their symptoms improve.”
The CDC previously required people to quarantine for up to 10 days with the new coronavirus, followed by five days. The new guidelines call for people to take precautions for five days after returning to work from a contagious virus.
Watkins said the CDC currently recommends additional measures such as cleaner air, hygiene, masks, and social distancing for five days after a return to normal activities when COVID-19, influenza, and RSV are no longer contagious. He said he is asking people to take preventive measures.
The CDC also urges people age 65 and older to renew their 2023-24 COVID-19 booster at least four months after their last booster renewal. .
For people with weakened immune systems, people age 65 and older may also consider getting the latest COVID-19 booster shot, according to CDC recommendations.
Dr. Watkins also provided information about colorectal cancer, which is the second leading cancer killer after lung cancer. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
According to state cancer statistics from 2016 to 2020, an average of 13 men and 13 women die from colorectal cancer each year in Cattaraugus County, Watkins said.
Regular screening is key to detecting cancer early, he said, and about 34 men and 32 women in the county are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year.
Between 58% and 59% of adults in Cattaraugus County are regularly screened for colorectal cancer. “We think that number could be even higher,” Watkins said.
Factors that contribute to the diagnosis of colorectal cancer include age, family history, personal health, obesity, physical inactivity, diet, and other lifestyle factors. A diet that is low in foods containing animal fat and high in fruits and vegetables has many benefits, including a reduced incidence of colorectal cancer.
The board also elected a new member, Farmersville County Councilwoman Ginger Schroeder, who was appointed to serve the remainder of Donna Vickman's term until December 31, 2027. Bickman, also a Farmersville native and former councilman, resigned.
