Measles Case Confirmed In Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA - The first reported case of measles in the Pittsburgh area was reported by the Allegheny County Health Department Tuesday. The adult individual, who is not vaccinated, recently traveled internationally, so the case is not considered to be connected to any ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S.

The health department warned that the individually was potentially contagious as of April 25 and might have exposed others at the following locations and times:

• Giant Eagle Market District on Centre Avenue in Shadyside: April 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and April 28 from 2:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Aldi on Baum Boulevard in Shadyside, April 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Because the individual might have exposed others, the health department is is urging anyone who is susceptible to measles or who may have been in the same locations during the indicated times who becomes ill with symptoms of measles to contact their primary care provider immediately. If a person has been exposed, symptoms could occur as late as May 20.

Measles is a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing or other contact with the mucus or saliva of an infected person. Symptoms typically appear one-to-three weeks after infection and include: rash; high fever; cough; and red, watery eyes.

“If you believe you have symptoms of measles, please contact your primary care provider immediately to notify them that you may have been exposed,” said county health department
director Dr. Karen Hacker. “Do not go directly to the office, urgent care center or emergency room, as this may expose other persons. "