Chester County measles cases rise as state reports 676 infections
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Pennsylvania has confirmed 676 measles cases across 37 counties, with 124 people hospitalized, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
State health officials say Pennsylvania has been battling an outbreak of the highly contagious and preventable measles virus since late April.
"We track these trends closely, not to cause alarm, but to provide clarity," said Dr. Debra Bogen, the Secretary of Health for Pennsylvania.
That information helps medical providers prepare and advise patients, said Dr. Elana McDonald, a board-certified pediatrician.
"It helps us as a medical community prepare and to advise patients," McDonald said.
Chester County has recently been designated a county with community transmission, according to the Department of Health. On Aug. 25, the county had reported 41 measles cases. As of today, that number has risen to 65, an increase of 24 cases in 17 days.
McDonald said vaccination remains the most effective tool for preventing the spread of measles.
"We do have a very effective way to prevent the spread of measles; that's the MMR vaccine that has been out for well over 50 years," she said.
When asked about the increase in cases, McDonald pointed to declining vaccination rates.
"Vaccine hesitancy. It's coming from misinformation. When you have misinformation, it leads to hesitancy, which leads to decreased vaccination rates," McDonald said.
Experts say the measles vaccine is 97% effective, leaving a 3% chance of infection. In Pennsylvania, four vaccinated individuals have tested positive for the virus, accounting for less than 1% of total cases.
"To be clear, measles is one of the most contagious human viruses. If a person has measles, up to 9/10 unvaccinated or not immune can come in contact with will become infected," Bogen said.
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.
McDonald said common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a distinctive rash.
"Many cases end up being fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, distinctive rash," she said.
Health officials also report two measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania.
"A small group can get significant complications from measles: brain swelling... hearing loss. Unfortunately, some can die," McDonald said.
McDonald encouraged families to discuss vaccination and other health concerns with their physicians.
"Talk with your doctor to help you make the best decision for your family," she said.
State data show the outbreak is affecting multiple age groups. According to McDonald, 30% of Pennsylvania measles cases involve individuals younger than 18.
