Potential Measles Exposure in Lancaster County

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is sounding the alarm: an unvaccinated individual from another state has tested positive for measles after visiting Lancaster County, raising concerns about possible exposure to the local community.

Details of the Exposure

People who were at the WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital Emergency Department on April 8, 2025, between 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. may have been exposed. Although WellSpan Health is directly contacting known visitors from that time, authorities stress that the overall risk to the public remains low due to high vaccination rates in Pennsylvania.

The Importance of Vaccination

Dr. Debra Bogen, Secretary of Health, emphasized the significance of vaccination in protecting against measles. "With two MMR vaccines, residents are at low risk of getting and spreading measles," she stated. Full immunization is particularly critical, especially given the highly contagious nature of the virus.

Understanding Measles

Measles is not just a mild illness; it can be serious and respiratory in nature. It spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and the virus lingers in the air and on surfaces long after the sick person has left.

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms typically begin with a fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis, followed by a rash that starts on the face and moves downward. Without appropriate medical attention, measles can have grave consequences.

For Those Concerned

Anyone who believes they have been exposed and exhibits symptoms should contact their healthcare provider or reach out to the Pennsylvania Department of Health's hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and monitor for any signs of illness.

Who is Most at Risk?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those at the highest risk include infants under one year old who cannot yet receive the vaccine, unvaccinated individuals, and those hailing from areas with low vaccination rates.

Stay Informed and Protected

With the rise in health alerts, it's crucial for residents in Lancaster County to stay informed about the risk of measles and ensure they and their loved ones are properly vaccinated.