Health authorities are alerting residents after an unvaccinated child in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania tested positive for measles.
Investigators with the Montgomery County Office of Public Health are completing contact tracing with places the boy visited, as well as his guardian. They are also notifying anyone who may have been in contact with the child and potentially exposed.
PLACES IN PENNSYLVANIA THE CHILD VISITED
Officials said the boy visited the following places during his infectious period and people who were in those places during the specific time periods may have been exposed to the measles virus:
July 20, 2023 from 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Bryn Mawr Hospital Emergency Room
130 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
July 20, 2023 from 5:15 pm to 8:15 pm
Costco Wholesale
740 Upper State Road, North Wales, PA 19454
July 21, 2023 from 5:30 pm to 9:45 pm
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Emergency Department
3401 Civic Center Blvd., Filadelfia, PA 19104
July 22, 2023 from 5 pm to 8 pm
Walmart Supercenter
1515 Bethlehem Pike, Hatfield, PA 19440
July 23, 2023 from 9:15 am to 5:45 pm
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Middleman Family Pavilion Emergency Department
550 S. Goddard Blvd., King of Prussia, PA 19406
HOW LONG IS THE MEASLES VIRUS CONTAGIOUS?
The measles virus can remain infected in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE MEASLES VIRUS?
Here are tips from the Montgomery County Office of Public Health:
Review your medical and immunization records to determine if you are protected against measles. People who have not previously had measles infection or who have not received measles immunization may not be protected against the measles virus and should talk to a health care provider about receiving measles, mumps immunization and rubella (MMR). Contact your health care provider and notify yourself of possible exposure as soon as possible if you are pregnant, have a child under one year of age, have a weakened immune system, and/or are unvaccinated. Monitor your health and fever or unexplained rash between seven and 21 days after exposure or during the time period symptoms may appear. If symptoms appear, stay home and call a healthcare professional immediately.
CAN VACCINATED PEOPLE TEST POSITIVE FOR MEASLES?
According to the health authorities, the risk of contracting the disease is minimal for those who are correctly vaccinated against measles.
HOW CONTAGIOUS IS MEASLES?
Measles is an extremely contagious virus that lives in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat of infected people. The virus can be transmitted from person to person through coughing and sneezing.
HOW CAN MEASLES BE CONTACTED?
A healthy person can get measles if they breathe in contaminated air or touch an infected surface and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
When an infected person sneezes or coughs, droplets spray into the air. Those droplets can contain an active and contagious virus that will persist in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MEASLES?
Measles usually begins with a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher that lasts for several days. Coughing, runny nose, or watery eyes follow. Two to three days after the onset of symptoms, small white patches appear in the mouth. Three to five days after the onset of symptoms, a flat, blotchy red rash will first appear on the face, at the level of the hairline, before spreading down the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and legs. the feet. Flat red spots may join small raised bumps. Symptoms appear on average between seven and fourteen days after exposure, but can last up to 21 days.
WHO IS MOST AT RISK OF TESTING POSITIVE FOR MEASLES?
Babies too young to be vaccinated (less than 1 year of age) Partially vaccinated children (less than 6 years of age) People who were vaccinated with an unknown type of vaccine used between 1963 and 1967 and who have not been revaccinated People born after 1957 who have received only one dose of vaccine People who have refused to be vaccinated People from areas of the world with low vaccination coverage or where measles is currently circulating People who are immunosuppressed, including organ transplant recipients, patients receiving chemotherapy and people living with HIV/AIDS.
WHO HAS IMMUNITY TO MEASLES?
People born in or before 1957 People who have received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine People who have had measles
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE MEASLES?
If you think you have been exposed to measles or are experiencing symptoms, contact your health care provider. Health care providers should report any suspected measles cases to MCOPH at 610-278-5117 or after hours at 610-635-4300.
WHERE CAN I GET VACCINATED AGAINST MEASLES?
You can get the MMR vaccine at your local health care provider or pharmacy. Call the Montgomery County Office of Public Health at 610-278-5117 for testing recommendations, advice, or any questions related to the virus.
2023-07-28 14:08:54
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