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Measles cases increase across Pennsylvania; none reported in Adams County

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Measles cases continue to rise across Pennsylvania as students return to classrooms, but Adams County remains among the counties with no confirmed cases reported this year.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 340 confirmed measles cases as of Aug. 19, an increase of 60 cases in a week. Cases have been reported in 21 counties, and 53 people have been hospitalized.

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None of those infected had been vaccinated against measles, according to the state.

The outbreak has spread across central Pennsylvania, including counties near Adams County. Since April, 154 cases have been reported in Lancaster County, 20 in Lebanon County, 15 in neighboring York County, four in Perry County and three in Dauphin County.

Despite the growing number of cases in surrounding areas, no measles cases have been reported in Adams County.

State health officials recently warned of two potential exposure incidents in Lancaster County. People at Millersville University on Aug. 4 and 5 and at the Whole Foods Market on Fruitville Pike on Aug. 12 may have been exposed.

The increase comes as schools and colleges begin fall classes, raising concerns about opportunities for the highly contagious virus to spread. About one-third of Pennsylvania’s confirmed cases this year have involved people age 18 or younger.

Pennsylvania public schools generally require students to receive two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine, although exemptions are permitted for certain medical, religious, moral or ethical reasons.

The Department of Health says two doses of the vaccine provide about 97% lifetime protection against measles.

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, and the virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms generally appear seven to 21 days after exposure and can include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a rash that typically begins on the face or head before spreading.

State health officials are urging anyone who may have been exposed to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.

Source: PA Dept of Health

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