Potential measles exposures reported at Rochester airport

Key Points:

• The Monroe County Department of Public Health has issued an alert about potential measles exposure at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport on Sept. 8 and Sept. 13, involving travelers who tested positive for measles but are not local residents.
• Individuals present at the airport between 3:20 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 8 or from 11:20 p.m. Sept. 13 to 2 a.m. Sept. 14 should monitor for symptoms through Sept. 29 and Oct. 5 respectively, and seek medical advice if symptoms develop.
• This alert follows other recent measles exposure incidents in Rochester, including exposures at the train station on Aug. 29 and Strong Memorial Hospital's emergency department on Sept. 7-8, with nearly 100 people potentially affected.
• Measles cases have also been reported in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions, including confirmed cases in Steuben County and potential exposures in Seneca County, signaling a regional increase in infections.
• Health officials emphasize that the overall risk is low due to widespread immunity from vaccination or past infection, but recommend two doses of the MMR vaccine for protection, especially for high-risk groups such as pregnant women, infants, immunocompromised individuals, and unvaccinated adults.