State health officials have added 18 confirmed measles — including one in Berks County — in the latest update.
The Department of Health announced in its Monday update that 1,505 measles cases have been confirmed across 45 counties in Pennsylvania this year.
Berks now accounts for eight of those cases, according to Pennsylvania’s measles dashboard.
The department has confirmed six measles-associated deaths of residents from Lancaster (3), Jefferson (2) and Mifflin (1) counties.
Officials said they are aware of a reported death of a Franklin County resident in October, but the department’s investigation has not yet found any Franklin County cases meeting the criteria to be confirmed as a measles-associated death.
The department’s update noted the following:
• New positive cases since Nov. 6: 18
• Total counties: 45
• Total cumulative cases: 1,505
• Total hospitalizations: 290
• Total confirmed measles-associated deaths: 6
• Measles cases among vaccinated individuals: 5 (less than 1% of cases)
According to the department’s dashboard, Lancaster County remains at the top in cases with 514.
Cases in the region: Chester County, 94; Lebanon County, 22; Schuylkill County, 7; Montgomery County, 3; and Lehigh County, 2.
State health center staff have administered more than 7,000 measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations at 244 pop-up vaccination clinics in affected communities since the outbreak began in late April, officials said.
Overall, the department has given more than 11,000 MMR vaccine doses this year.
Officials said healthcare providers continue to see an increase in residents interested in the MMR vaccinations. Providers typically administer about 25,000 doses of the vaccine a month. In September and October, more than 56,000 and 61,000 doses, respectively, were given, they said.
Because measles continues to spread, the department said it recommends an additional early zero dose for infants between the ages of 6 and 11 months who live in or travel to counties flagged on the measles dashboard for sustained community transmission. They said the early dose does not replace the two routine doses. Children 12 months and older who have not received any dose should get one now and a second dose at least 28 days later.
Those who have two documented doses of MMR do not need another, the department said. Adults who have only one dose or cannot find their vaccination records should talk with a healthcare provider or pharmacist about getting vaccinated.
Measles is spread when someone who is infected breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area, the department said.
Symptoms begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), followed by a rash that starts on the head and spreads downward.
Without proper protection or supportive care, measles can be deadly, officials said. Symptoms can start seven to 21 days after exposure.
If you believe you were exposed to measles and are experiencing symptoms, you are advised to contact your healthcare provider or call the health department’s hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).