Measles Outbreak Confirmed In Chester County

WEST CHESTER, PA — Measles has been confirmed in Chester County as part of the latest outbreak, with at least five cases found around the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Health said on Tuesday.

It comes days after a case was reported in nearby Limerick Township. Chester County officials confirmed the spread to Chester County but did not provide additional details or say which municipality was impacted.

Measles is making a comeback around the country due to declining vaccination rates, the Centers for Disease Control says.

"These cases continue to occur from exposures to others with measles and are among those that are not vaccinated," the Chester County Health Department said in a statement Tuesday.

Related: Measles Case Confirmed In Limerick Township

In addition to Montgomery and Chester counties, some of the other cases are in Lancaster County, officials said.

A group of cases are considered an outbreak by the CDC when there are three or more infections within a geographical area.

Measles is highly infectious to those who are not vaccinated, but it is extremely rare for a vaccinated individual to contract it, according to health officials. In the highly unlikely case a vaccinated person does get measles, they usually have milder symptoms.

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.

If you develop symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.