Measles Case Identified in Buck Co, Health Dept Says

The Bucks County Health Department has identified a case of measles in a county resident.

The individual, a vaccinated adult who had recently traveled to Texas, visited several locations in the region last week while potentially contagious. The Health Department learned Wednesday evening that the individual had tested positive for measles. The symptoms this individual experienced were relatively mild.

Anyone who visited Starbucks at 2896 S. Eagle Road in Newtown between 10:50 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on March 19 should monitor for symptoms, especially a cough, runny nose or red eyes. Other symptoms of measles include headache, sneezing, and a red skin rash starting on the face and neck.

Infected individuals generally begin to experience symptoms within 10-14 days of exposure.

The Health Department has contact traced all other locations where the individual is known to have traveled, and people potentially exposed to the virus during those times will be notified.

“Two doses of the vaccine will be 97 percent effective in preventing all illness. However, even though a vaccinated person can still get measles, they are more likely to experience a mild illness and are thus less likely to spread it,” said Health Department Director Dr. David Damsker. “The best way to hold this virus in check is to have high levels of community vaccination rates.”

If you believe you may have been exposed to measles and you plan to seek medical treatment, the Health Department strongly encourages you to reach out to the healthcare facility you expect to visit and advise them of this fact before you go so they can be properly prepared.