Measles outbreak entering region
Cases reported in Centre, Clearfield, Bedford, Huntingdon
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The measles outbreak has reached several counties in the region as it continues to spread across Pennsylvania, prompting medical professionals and school officials to encourage vaccinations and health safety practices.
In the area, the Department of Health has reported 15 confirmed cases in Centre County, nine in Clearfield County, four in Somerset County, two in Bedford County, one in Huntingdon County and zero cases in Blair and Cambria counties.
Dr. Matthew Bouchard, chief of emergency medicine at UPMC Altoona and UPMC Bedford, said this does not include unreported cases and suspected cases that ended up testing negative.
The measles is a very contagious virus that can quickly spread from person to person and can cause people to feel extremely sick, Bouchard said. Symptoms of the measles include a cough, a high fever that can exceed 104 degrees, rash, runny nose, red watery eyes and white spots inside the mouth.
Bouchard said it can take 11 or 12 days before someone with the measles starts to feel sick, possibly experiencing a fever for three or four days and then a rash for five or six days. Anyone who has the measles is contagious four days before and four days after the rash appears and should isolate themselves for the contagious period, Bouchard said.
Across Central Pennsylvania, measles has become a concerning topic, especially with the recent reporting of Pennsylvania's first two measles deaths in 35 years.
Bouchard said a lot of physicians haven't seen a case of measles until recently and credits the surge in cases to the decrease of vaccinations in some communities.
"Once measles gets into a community without vaccination, it can spread rapidly. Vaccination is a very effective way to prevent outbreaks and has been very successful over several decades," Bouchard said.
According to a statement from the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Press Secretary, Neil Ruhland, vaccination is the best protection against the measles because it provides 97% lifetime safety after two doses.
The DOH has hosted and is planning to host pop-up vaccine clinics for people to get vaccinated.
While there is no specific treatment for the measles, Bouchard said people can manage symptoms by getting rest, staying hydrated and taking fever medication.
Some cases of the measles can be more severe and lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation, permanent brain damage and death. Children younger than five, adults older than 20, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for complications.
With school back in session across the area, school officials are trying to educate and make families aware of measles symptoms.
Paula Foreman, Altoona Area School District community relations director, said the district's role is to be proactive and urges parents to alert the school nurse if they suspect their child has the measles.
"Our goal is to always have a healthy and safe environment for our students and staff. Our role is to make sure that our families are informed," Foreman said.
The Altoona School District has gathered information about the measles and put together fact sheets, providing the warning signs, how to handle exposure and other resources for parents, Foreman said.
For schools across Pennsylvania, the Department of Education requires students to receive two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. However, under the School Code and DOH immunization regulations, students may be exempt from immunization requirements for medical reasons, religious beliefs or "on the basis of a strong moral or ethical conviction."
To keep everyone safe and healthy, Bouchard encourages parents to teach their children good hygiene practices including washing hands regularly with soap and water, using hand sanitizer, covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or elbows instead of hands and staying home when feeling sick.
Stanley Martin, director of infectious diseases at Geisinger, said in a press conference that it's important to teach parents about the value of vaccinations as no cases have occurred in Pennsylvania for those fully vaccinated.
"With school starting and kids being in close contact, I don't think we see an end to the cases just yet. I don't think any of us would be surprised if they continued to spike upwards," Martin said.
Once an individual has the measles, Bouchard said they are typically immune and will not have it again, but it's not guaranteed.
With cases spreading, Martin urges parents to talk with their physician about getting their child vaccinated. He said anyone who has been exposed to measles and is not immune, can generally prevent the illness by getting vaccinated within 72 hours of exposure.
If anyone suspects that they have the measles or have been exposed to someone with the measles, Bouchard said to call their health care provider and inform them of the illness prior to arriving at a facility.
More information about measles can be found on the state Department of Health website at pa.gov/agencies/health/diseases-conditions/infectious-disease/measles.
Mirror staff writer Jayla Nartatez is at 814-946-7535.