Pennsylvania Confirms 1st Snyder County Measles Case as US Infections Top 2,300

Q: A highly contagious virus can linger in the air for hours; could a simple trip to a local store threaten your family's health?

Yes—if someone with measles was in a store, a routine shopping trip can pose a real risk, especially for people who are unvaccinated or not immune. Measles is among the most contagious viruses known. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breathes, and the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after that person leaves. Health officials say up to 9 in 10 unvaccinated people exposed can become infected. That is why Pennsylvania issued a public alert after a Snyder County resident with measles may have exposed shoppers at the Lowe’s in Selinsgrove on July 14. The risk is not equal for everyone. People who have had two doses of the MMR vaccine are strongly protected; the CDC says two doses are about 97% effective, and one dose is about 93% effective. The biggest concern is for infants too young to be fully vaccinated, pregnant people, immunocompromised people, and anyone unvaccinated. Nationally, 93% of this year’s confirmed cases are in people who were unvaccinated or whose status was unknown. Anyone who was at the Selinsgrove Lowe’s during the exposure window should watch for symptoms for 21 days: fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and then a rash that starts on the face and spreads downward. Symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure. If symptoms develop, call a doctor before going in so staff can prevent further spread. The best protection remains vaccination and checking that family immunizations are up to date.

3 articles · Updated · WJAC Johnstown · Jul 24

A Snyder County resident tested positive for measles, marking the county’s first confirmed case and prompting warnings of possible exposure at a Lowe’s in Selinsgrove.
More than 2,300 measles cases have been identified nationwide this year, the CDC said, the highest US total in 35 years.
CDC data show 93% of those infected are unvaccinated, a key factor health officials cite in the continuing rise in cases.
Lancaster County has Pennsylvania’s highest known caseload at 83, while Indiana and Mifflin counties each have one confirmed case closer to the region.