Mifflin County measles cases near 170

County accounts for nearly one-quarter of state's 58 newest cases

LEWISTOWN – Mifflin County accounted for nearly one-quarter of Pennsylvania's newest measles cases as its total climbed to 167, according to the latest state figures.

The county added 14 cases between Wednesday and Friday, matching Lancaster County for the largest increase during that period. Pennsylvania added 58 cases, raising its statewide total from 1,078 to 1,136.

Only Lancaster County, with 415 cases, has reported more infections than Mifflin County. Chester County ranks third with 87 cases.

Mifflin County's total has increased by 74 cases since Sept. 21, when the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 93 infections in the county. The county had 29 cases on Aug. 25.

The Department of Health's dashboard remains dated Friday because the state didn't post its usual Monday update during the Columbus Day holiday. Regular updates are scheduled to resume Wednesday afternoon.

Pennsylvania has recorded cases in 41 counties, unchanged from Wednesday. Hospitalizations increased by 12 to 219, while the number of measles-associated deaths remained at five.

The dashboard lists 157 new cases during the latest seven-day period, up from 145 on Wednesday. Patients younger than 18 account for 33% of the statewide total, while fewer than 1% of confirmed patients were fully vaccinated.

State health officials continue to report evidence of community transmission in 12 counties: Centre, Chester, Clarion, Clearfield, Indiana, Jefferson, Lancaster, Mifflin, Snyder, Somerset, Union, and York. The community transmission list was last updated Oct. 5.

The department defines community transmission as continued spread across multiple generations outside the original household that can't be explained by another introduction of measles. Officials said those counties may need additional measures, including catch-up vaccinations or early doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.

Elsewhere in the region, Centre County increased from 24 to 28 cases between Wednesday and Friday. Snyder County rose from 45 to 47. Huntingdon County remained at seven cases, Perry County had four, and Juniata County had one.

The Department of Health reports that its employees have administered 9,285 MMR vaccine doses this year, an increase of 287 since Wednesday. The figure includes vaccinations administered by department employees, not every MMR dose given across Pennsylvania.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide about 97% protection against measles, according to health officials. One dose provides about 93% protection. People who have completed the two-dose series don't routinely need a booster.

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for as long as two hours after the person leaves. An infected person can spread measles from four days before the rash appears through four days afterward.

Symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days after exposure, but can take as long as 21 days to develop. They include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the head or face before spreading downward.

Anyone who develops symptoms should call a health care provider or 877-PA-HEALTH, or 877-724-3258, before visiting a medical facility. Advance notice allows medical employees to take precautions and reduce the risk of exposing other patients.