The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports a dramatic increase in measles cases this summer, and in particular, in August.
Health officials reported 89 new cases during the week ending August 21, bringing the total in August to 196.
Since the beginning of the year, Pennsylvania has seen 379 total measles cases, the 3rd most of any state following only South Carolina and Utah.
Cases have been reported in 28 counties this year. Lancaster County accounts for nearly half (47%) of the cases (180), followed by Chester County (41) and Mifflin County (25).
Alpha-gal syndrome, or Red Meat Allergy
70 cases, or 18 percent of the total required hospitalization for their illness.
The age groups reporting the most cases are 25-49 years (140), 18-24 years (98) and 10-17 years (65).
Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects the lungs and spreads when an infected person breaths, coughs, or sneezes. The virus remains in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, even after the infected person leaves the area.
Symptoms to watch for include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the head or face and spreads downward. Symptoms can start 7 to 21 days after exposure. The only way to prevent measles is with the MMR vaccine.