ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Confirmed cases of the measles in the Southern Tier is causing some concern about vaccination rates at Tompkins County Whole Health.
Medical Director Dr. William Klepack told 607 News Now the vaccination rate should be at least 95%, but the trend across the region and New York has lowered in recent years.
“These days it has been falling over the last 10 years,” Klepack said Wednesday on WHCU’s 607 This Morning. “Right now, we’re sitting in the 80-percent range.”
In the past week, measles cases have been reported in Tioga, Steuben, and Seneca counties. That’s also alarming to Dr. Klepack.
“Those people have, on their way to getting healthcare, traveled. They traveled outside of their home. They exposed other people,” Klepack warned. “They crossed county lines and we know there have been from those first cases — within those counties — some secondary cases,” Klepack added.
In a statement to 607 News Now, a spokesperson with Cayuga Health said anyone experiencing symptoms should call before going to the ER.
“If you or a loved one has experienced symptoms, or been in contact with someone who you may suspect has measles, call the Health Department. If you are experiencing symptoms and need emergent care, please call our ED prior to coming in. Our EDs can be reached by calling:
Arnot Ogden Medical Center: 607-737-4194
Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital: 607-776-8500
Cayuga Medical Center: 607-274-4411
Schuyler Hospital: 607-535-7121″
Symptoms of the airborne illness include fever, rash, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a cough.
FULL INTERVIEW: Tompkins County Medical Director Dr. William Klepack on 607 This Morning
