Image from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website, measles dashboard
Pennsylvania is reporting another increase in measles cases, according to the state Department of Health dashboard.
While Erie and Crawford counties continue to report zero measles cases, several nearby counties have reported infections. Mercer County has 20 cases, Warren County has eight, and Venango County has one. The state is also reporting five deaths associated with the current measles outbreak.
Erie County health officials are urging residents to make sure they are protected against the highly contagious disease.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to keep yourself from getting measles, so we highly recommend that if you’re not vaccinated to get vaccinated,” said Colleen Wallace, RN, director of Community Health Services for the Erie County Health Department.
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is widely available through health departments, pharmacies and primary care providers.
Health officials are encouraging people who were born in the 1960s or 1970s and aren’t sure whether they were vaccinated to look for their vaccination records.
Officials say people who cannot verify their vaccination status and are exposed to measles can be required to quarantine.
Click here for the latest Commonwealth of Pennsylvania measles data.
Health officials are also preparing for the upcoming flu season.
Influenza has already arrived earlier than usual in some parts of the country, although Erie County has not yet seen an early surge.
Erin Mrenak, director of the Erie County Department of Health, said influenza can become serious quickly.
“Flu is one of those diseases that can very quickly progress into more serious respiratory issues like pneumonia to the point people have to be hospitalized and people still do die from influenza,” Mrenak said.
She recommends getting a flu vaccine, noting that vaccination can reduce the severity of illness.
Rapid tests are also available that can simultaneously test for COVID-19 and influenza A and B.
The Erie County Department of Health is hosting its second annual “Boo to the Flu” flu and COVID-19 vaccination event on October 7 from 3 to 5 p.m.
The event is being held in partnership with LECOM and will offer vaccinations to children and adults, with or without insurance.
“Anyone’s welcome. It’s next week from 3 to 5. We would love to see you at the health department,” Mrenak said. “We’re happy to be able to provide this to the community.”