Measles Case Confirmed, Possible Public Exposure Reported In Montco

NORRISTOWN, PA — A measles case has been reported in Montgomery County as health officials issue a warning about public exposure.

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Office of Public Health said the measles was contracted from someone who traveled through the county and tested positive for the virus, health officials said.

That person visited the Patient First Primary and Urgent Care-Collegeville on Jan. 29. Officials said the exposure window was from 1:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. and that anyone who was there during that time may have been exposed.

The Montgomery County Department of Health says anyone who visited the office during that time may have been exposed and should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days.

Health officials said that measles is a highly contagious disease. It spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can also spread through contact with droplets from an infected person, and it can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.

Symptoms to monitor for up to 21 days after exposure include fever, an unexplained rash, cough, congestion, runny nose, or red watery eyes. If symptoms develop, individuals should stay home and contact a healthcare provider immediately. The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent measles, available at local healthcare providers or pharmacies.

People are generally protected if they were born in 1957 or earlier, or if they have received two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Protection can also be confirmed through laboratory testing for immunity. The Office of Public Health advises residents who are not fully vaccinated or protected and believe they were exposed to contact their healthcare provider, urgent care, or hospital before visiting to ensure staff and patient safety.

Infants, children under age 5, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications from measles.

Measles is a reportable disease in Pennsylvania, and healthcare providers should report suspected cases to the Office of Public Health. Further updates on exposures will be available on the Montgomery County website.