Mount Nittany, state confirm two positive measles cases
Health system notifying patients who may have been exposed
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From staff reports
STATE COLLEGE -- Mount Nittany Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Health have confirmed two positive measles cases that may have exposed patients and visitors at two Mount Nittany Health facilities.
According to Mount Nittany Health, potential exposure occurred at Mount Nittany Health - Toftrees, 164 Greenview Drive, from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, July 31, and at the Mount Nittany Medical Center Emergency Department, 155 Wellness Way, from noon Friday, July 31, until 1 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1.
The health system said it is actively identifying and contacting individuals who may have been present at those locations during the specified time periods and are considered at high risk.
Measles screening questions have been implemented at all Mount Nittany Health outpatient locations. Patients who believe they were exposed or are experiencing symptoms are asked to contact their primary care provider or pediatrician before arriving for an appointment. Individuals scheduling new appointments also should call ahead if they suspect exposure or illness.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease spread through respiratory droplets. Symptoms typically develop seven to 21 days after exposure and may include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, Koplik spots inside the mouth and a rash that usually begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed or who develops symptoms should contact their healthcare provider or Mount Nittany Health ExpressCARE at (814) 234-6124 before seeking in-person care. Patients who suspect they have measles are advised to call ahead and wear a mask if they need medical attention.
Mount Nittany Health said vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles and reduce the spread of the disease, noting that individuals who are unvaccinated are at the greatest risk.`