Garnet Health—Understanding Measles

MIDDLETOWN, NY — Garnet Health is issuing an urgent reminder that measles is highly contagious, with new cases emerging.

The measles virus is airborne, so when an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, even after the infected person leaves the area. 

Symptoms of measles include:

• High fever, cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes
• A rash usually starting on the face and spreading, typically three to five days after symptoms begin

If you suspect you may have measles, do not walk into a doctor’s office, urgent care or emergency room. This puts others at risk, especially babies, pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems. Call ahead to your healthcare provider, emergency room or urgent care. Providers will give you safe instructions on your next steps.

The two-dose measles vaccine offers the best protection and is considered the standard for full vaccination. The vaccine is safe, effective and strongly recommended. 

Individuals who reside in Orange, Sullivan or Ulster County who experience symptoms of measles or believe they may have been exposed are encouraged to visit garnethealth.org/measles to find contact numbers for assistance. 

About Garnet Health 
Garnet Health is a New York State not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Middletown, New York, approximately 60 miles northwest of New York City. It is the corporate parent of Garnet Health Medical Center, Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills, Garnet Health Doctors, Garnet Health Urgent Care, Garnet Health Foundation and Garnet Health Foundation – Catskills. Garnet Health is dedicated to developing specialty services, medical programs and needed healthcare services that allow residents to remain close to home to receive quality care.

Providing healthcare to over 500,000 residents in Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties, Garnet Health was designed to improve the quality, stability and efficiency of healthcare services in the mid-Hudson and Catskills region. Garnet Health employs more than 4,000 professionals and over 850 medical staff members. An academic affiliate of the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Garnet Health retains compassionate professionals who continually strive toward the hospital’s mission to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional healthcare. To learn more about Garnet Health, visit garnethealth.org.
 

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Deija Davis-Montes, BS

Marketing and Corporate Communications Specialist
Deija Davis-Montes is Garnet Health’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Specialist. She received her Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Marketing Communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology.  Deija is passionate about nonprofit work, communication that creates impact, and helping organizations share their mission and vision with clarity and purpose.
Deija can be reached at (845) 333-2368 or dmontes@garnethealth.org