Liberty, NY – Following New York State's declaration of a State Disaster Emergency related to measles, the Sullivan County Department of Public Health is helping residents understand what the declaration means – and just as importantly, what it does not mean.
The term “State of Emergency” can sound alarming. In public health, however, an emergency declaration is an administrative and legal tool that allows government and public health agencies to respond more quickly and efficiently to an emerging situation.
“A State of Emergency does not mean that everyone is in immediate danger or that people should panic,” said Dr. Jessie Moore, Public Health Director in Sullivan County. “It means Public Health has additional tools available to prevent disease, prepare our communities, and respond quickly when needed. This is public health in action: being prepared before a situation becomes more difficult to control.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued the Executive Order amid increased measles activity in the State. The order provides additional flexibility to support vaccination, testing, disease surveillance and response. Among other provisions, it expands the professionals who may administer measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, facilitates measles specimen collection and testing, and changes certain MMR immunization-reporting requirements.
Public Health in Action in Sullivan County
Sullivan County Public Health is using this period to strengthen local preparedness and make sure residents and community partners know what to do before an exposure occurs. The Department is conducting direct outreach to healthcare providers, EMS and fire agencies, schools and childcare providers, places where people gather, and community organizations.
Outreach will focus on recognizing measles, preventing exposures, verifying immunity, vaccination, appropriate testing, infection-control practices, reporting suspected cases, and understanding any additional authorities provided through the Executive Order. Sullivan County Public Health is also working to expand opportunities for residents and community partners to review their vaccination status and get MMR vaccinations, when and where appropriate.
“Preparedness is not panic,” Dr. Moore noted. “Our goal is to make sure our healthcare providers, first responders, schools, childcare providers and residents know what to do and who to call. The best time to establish those relationships and procedures is before we need them.”
What Residents Can Do
Residents should review their vaccination records and make sure they and their families are appropriately vaccinated against measles. The New York State Department of Health continues to identify MMR vaccination as the best protection against measles and recommends that New Yorkers ensure they are up to date.
Anyone who is unsure of their vaccination history can contact their healthcare provider or the Sullivan County Department of Public Health to discuss their vaccinations. Residents should also know the symptoms of measles, which commonly begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed several days later by a rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward.
“This is a great time to talk with your doctor or your child’s pediatrician to make sure you have the information you need to make informed decisions about protecting yourself and your family. Older adults, in particular, may want to ask their healthcare provider whether a measles immunity test, known as a titer, or an additional dose of the MMR vaccine is appropriate for them. A titer is a simple blood test that can help determine whether you have antibodies indicating immunity to measles. I had my immunity tested last year and was happy to learn that I still have strong immunity. I encourage others who are unsure of their immunity or vaccination history to have that conversation with their healthcare provider,” advised District 5 Legislator Catherine Scott, chair of the Sullivan County Legislature’s Health & Human Services Committee.
Anyone who believes they may have measles should call their healthcare provider or the Sullivan County Department of Public Health before arriving at a healthcare facility. Calling ahead allows appropriate infection-control precautions to be put in place and helps prevent exposing other patients in a waiting room. (The NYS Department of Health also requires healthcare providers to immediately report suspected measles cases to their local health department.)
Preparedness, Not Panic
“The Sullivan County Department of Public Health will continue monitoring measles activity, coordinating with the New York State Department of Health and regional partners, and providing residents and community organizations with timely information and resources,” assured Dr. Moore.
For information about measles, MMR vaccination, vaccination records, or Public Health services, the Sullivan County Department of Public Health welcomes calls at 845-292-5910.
