A person from another state who was contagious with measles visited four Pennsylvania counties earlier this month, prompting a public health alert from the Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday, Aug. 21.
The individual, who has since left the Commonwealth, may have exposed others while stopping in Adams, Clearfield, Lancaster, and York counties between Aug. 4 and Aug. 12.
People may have been exposed to measles if they were at one of the following locations during the specified times:
The Department has notified each of these establishments of the potential exposure. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed is urged to contact their healthcare provider or call the Department of Health's toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH.
"The best protection against measles is vaccination," said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. "With two measles, mumps and rubella vaccines, residents are at low risk of getting and spreading measles. People who visited the locations identified should contact their health care provider if they develop signs of sickness; this will help protect others in their communities from this disease."
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads downward. Symptoms may appear 7 to 21 days after exposure.
Without proper protection or supportive care, measles can be deadly. Those at highest risk include:
For questions or concerns about potential exposure, call 877-PA-HEALTH. All residents are encouraged to monitor for symptoms and check their vaccination status.