6 measles cases reported amid statewide outbreak
Geisinger: measles is ‘one of, if not the most contagious viruses that we know of’
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LEWISTOWN -- Mifflin County's confirmed measles count has risen to six as cases continue to increase across Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports 232 measles cases statewide, including 57 in the past seven days. Thirty-eight people have been hospitalized.
Mifflin County had only one confirmed case in late July. The increase to six comes after Geisinger officials said Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital was treating a handful of suspected cases.
Dr. Stanley Martin, director of infectious diseases for Geisinger, said the suspected patients were unvaccinated and awaiting confirmation through Department of Health testing.
State data don't show whether any of the six confirmed Mifflin County cases are among the patients Martin discussed.
Martin called measles "one of, if not the most contagious viruses that we know of."
In a population with little or no immunity, one infected person may spread measles to as many as 18 others, Martin said. The virus spreads through respiratory particles and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
That means exposure doesn't require direct contact with someone who is sick. A person with measles can leave a room, and viral particles may remain in the air long enough to infect someone who enters later.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Department of Health had not issued a public exposure notice for a location in Mifflin County.
State officials conduct contact tracing after new cases are reported and issue public notices when necessary to identify people who may have been exposed.
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen has urged residents to get vaccinated against measles.
"The single most effective way to avoid contracting or spreading measles is to get fully vaccinated," Bogen said in a June Department of Health release.
Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, according to the department.
Symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure, but can take as long as 21 days to appear. During that period, a person may not realize an infection is developing.
Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash usually follows, often beginning around the head and neck before spreading to other parts of the body.
The illness can cause pneumonia or encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, and in severe cases can lead to hospitalization or death.
Martin said people who develop trouble breathing, severe headaches or confusion should seek medical attention.
Anyone who believes they may have measles should call before visiting a medical office or emergency department so health care workers can protect other patients.
Less than three weeks ago, Mifflin County had only one confirmed case. It now has six.
Statewide cases are rising quickly. Fifty-seven of Pennsylvania's 232 cases, nearly 25%, were reported during the past seven days.
The Department of Health updates its measles dashboard Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. The dashboard includes county totals, hospitalization data, and vaccination information.
Martin said declining vaccination has allowed measles to return after the United States declared the disease eliminated in 2000.
"This problem that we're having is one which really is entirely preventable," he said.