Measles Cases Linked to International Travel in Western Pennsylvania
Two cases of measles have been reported in Western Pennsylvania, according to the Erie County Department of Health. Both cases are connected to international travel and do not pose a high risk of community spread.
The department will notify anyone who may have been exposed, according to YourErie. While details about the vaccinated status of the infected individuals are unclear, officials emphasize the importance of getting a MMR vaccine for those not up-to-date. Fully vaccinated individuals are 97% less likely to contract measles or infect others.
Measles is highly contagious and can be spread through coughing and sneezing, lasting up to two hours in the air. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that starts behind the ears and spreads down the body.
Certain groups, such as children under five, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems, are at higher risk of severe complications. The CDC reports 378 confirmed cases of measles in the US so far, including in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Maryland, with one confirmed death.
Source: https://www.pennlive.com/health/2025/03/2-cases-of-measles-reported-in-pa-county-heres-where.html