Measles Outbreak Hits Montgomery County

NORRISTOWN, PA — A new outbreak of measles has been reported in Montgomery County, officials announced, marking the second outbreak to impact the local area within the last three months.

Pennsylvania Department of Health Acting Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen said that there is no risk to the vaccinated public in this outbreak, but urged any unvaccinated individuals to exercise caution and to get a vaccine.

The state health department along with the Montgomery County and Philadelphia Departments of Health joined together to announce the new cases, which have occurred around the region. They identified at least two locations in the city and county where exposure to the virus may have occurred.

They include the CVS pharmacy at 10901 Bustleton Avenue in Philadelphia on May 15 and the Holy Redeemer Hospital emergency department and medical-surgical unit in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania, on May 16 and 17.

It's unknown how many individuals may have been impacted.

There have been multiple measles outbreaks in Montgomery County in the past year, including one in February that lingered for weeks.

Symptoms of measles include cold-like symptoms, runny nose, red eyes, greyish-white spots in the mouth, fever, and more. It's transmitted most commonly through coughing and sneezing.

Measles can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected individual leaves that area.

The MMR vaccine that provides full immunity is available at many healthcare provider offices and pharmacies.