Allegheny County says there’s ‘no data’ that a resident has measles. What would happen if anyone did

Allegheny County officials say there’s no data to support that any resident has measles.

This clarification comes after two recent measles exposures at UPMC Children’s Hospital.

Allegheny County Health Department officials say while there may be measles patients in the county, they’re not informed about the case unless a healthcare provider determines the person lives in Allegheny County. Cases of people who aren’t residents of the county are handled by their corresponding county or the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Regardless, if a healthcare provider informs county officials of potential measles exposure and the provider cannot identify all potentially exposed persons, ACHD will release a statement to inform the community of exposure areas so they can take necessary precautions, as was done with the Children’s Hospital patient.

If an Allegheny County resident does test positive for measles, the health department says it’s standard protocol for a healthcare provider to inform them so they can follow up with the patient and conduct contact tracing.

As of Monday afternoon, Pennsylvania had recorded 497 measles cases this year -- 100 of which were in the last week. Channel 11 informed you of measles cases in Butler and Westmoreland counties last week.

So far, 87 people have been hospitalized and two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents died from measles-associated causes.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread through breaths, coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and irritated eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the head and spreads downward. Symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure.

Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20% of infected individuals requiring hospitalization.

State health officials emphasized that receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine provides 97% lifetime protection against the virus.

Anyone experiencing symptoms or suspecting a measles exposure should contact a health care provider or call the Department of Health toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).

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