The Pennsylvania Department of Health is urging residents to make sure they are protected against measles after confirming 61 cases statewide between April and June 22, including infections in Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties.

Health officials said vaccination remains the best defense against the highly contagious disease and are encouraging early, accelerated and catch-up immunizations for people who live in or plan to visit areas where measles has been detected.

Under the advisory, infants ages 6 through 11 months should receive one early dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine during the outbreak. They should still receive the routine two-dose series at 12 to 15 months and again between ages 4 and 6.

Children older than 1 who have not received any measles vaccine should get two doses at least 28 days apart. Those who have already received one dose are encouraged to receive their second dose now if at least 28 days have passed since the first.

The department also recommends that adults without evidence of immunity receive two doses of MMR vaccine at least 28 days apart. Adults and teens who previously received only one dose should receive a second dose if enough time has elapsed.

Health care providers are being advised to maintain a high level of suspicion for measles in patients who develop fever and a rash, particularly those who are unvaccinated.

The department emphasized that suspected measles cases should be reported immediately to local public health authorities or the Department of Health at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258). Providers are asked not to wait for laboratory confirmation before notifying public health officials if measles is suspected.

The Department of Health continues to monitor the outbreak and update the list of affected counties. Current information is available at [https://www.pa.gov/measles](https://www.pa.gov/measles).

Source: PA Dept of Health