A Bucks County resident has tested positive for measles, the Health Department announced earlier this week as the statewide outbreak continues to pass historic numbers.
The individual is an adult who recently traveled to an area of central Pennsylvania that has reported many measles cases this year. The person’s vaccination status is unclear, but they are no longer contagious, said county spokesperson James O’Malley.
According to WESANews.org Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak crossed a historic threshold in October with at 1,078 cases in 41 counties, the state has recorded the nation’s largest measles outbreak in the last three decades. Five people have died with infections and nearly 200 people have been hospitalized.
The Bucks County Health Department has notified healthcare providers whose offices the person is known to have visited. The County will assist the providers in notifying patients who may have been exposed, officials said.
County Health Department Director, Dr David Damsker spoke to the presence of the outbreak and the probability of more cases being reported in Bucks in the coming weeks.
“Given the ongoing measles outbreak in parts of Pennsylvania, it is reasonable to expect additional cases may be reported here in Bucks County.”
Damsker said the best way to protect oneself from measles is the two dose vaccination.
“The most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles is vaccination. Two doses of the vaccine will be at least 97 percent effective in preventing all illness after exposure to the virus.”
Damsker said in Bucks vaccination rates against measles are high, which prevents further spread and keeps most infections mild in the rare instance that they occur. If you’re unsure of your vaccination status and want to make sure you’re protected, check with your doctor.”
Infected individuals generally begin to experience symptoms within 10-14 days of exposure. Symptoms of measles first include a cough, runny nose, red eyes, headache and sneezing, then progresses to a rash starting on the face and hairline, spreading downward.