A measles case has been identified in Montgomery County, sparking concerns for public health officials. The patient is an unvaccinated child who recently visited several locations in North Philadelphia and King of Prussia. Health officials are conducting contact tracing to identify potential exposure areas.
Measles is a highly contagious virus spread through respiratory droplets from infected individuals. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash. In serious cases, measles can lead to pneumonia, brain infections, and death. The CDC reports that about one in five unvaccinated people who contract measles will be hospitalized, with one in 20 children developing pneumonia.
The MMR vaccine is effective at preventing measles, with 93% efficacy after one dose and 97% after two doses. However, vaccinated individuals can still get infected, especially during an outbreak. Vaccination within 72 hours of exposure provides some protection against the virus.
Public health officials encourage everyone to get vaccinated against measles, particularly those who have not received a vaccine or are at risk due to weakened immune systems or severe allergies. Individuals born before 1957 are considered immune but should consider an MMR vaccine if they work in healthcare without lab evidence of immunity.
The CDC recommends the following vaccination schedule: one dose around 12 months old and two doses starting at age four for most children. Babies traveling internationally should receive one dose, while those who have had a prior MMR dose before their first birthday should receive two more doses starting at one year old.
Source: https://www.inquirer.com/health/montgomery-county-measles-2025-cases-symptoms-vaccines-20250303.html