Hudson Valley Taxi Customers Potentially Exposed to Measles

A Hudson Valley taxi may have been exposing riders to measles, health officials warn.

The Orange County Department of Health is advising residents of a potential measles exposure in a taxi in the Town of Monroe.

Residents who may have used Motty’s Taxi service from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14, may have been exposed to measles, officials say.

All taxi riders should monitor for signs and symptoms of measles through Dec. 5, according to the Orange County Department of Health.

Last week, Hudson Valley Post reported the Rockland County measles outbreak moved into Orange County.

In Rockland County, health officials have confirmed 75 cases of measles, in what is the biggest outbreak in the Empire State in decades.

In early November, Hudson Valley Post reported 40 confirmed cases of measles. In alerts prior it was 33 confirmed cases and 11 confirmed cases.

Last month, it was reported an international traveler with measles visited multiple locations in Rockland and Westchester counties. Among the locations infected with measles was the Costco in Nanuet and Westchester Medical Center.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people. People first develop a fever, then often a cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by an appearance of a rash. People are considered infectious four days before to four days after the appearance of the rash.

Symptoms include a fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis or a runny nose. Symptoms usually appear 10-12 days after exposure but may appear as early as 7 days and as late as 21 days after exposure.

Categories: Hudson Valley News