PITTSBURGH \u2014 On Thursday, UPMC Children\u2019s Hospital confirmed the first case of measles in our region.<\/p>\n
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Patient at UPMC Children\u2019s Hospital tests positive for measles<\/a><\/p>\n According to a spokesperson, an unvaccinated patient who was seen at Children\u2019s on August 12 and 18 has been diagnosed with measles.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a parent, you\u2019re likely concerned by the news of that confirmed measles case.<\/p>\n Channel 11 spoke with a doctor about how to best protect your child and yourself.<\/p>\n Dr. Marian Michaels is a professor of pediatrics and infectious diseases with UPMC Children\u2019s Hospital.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was only a matter of time that eventually it would come to our area as well,\u201d Michaels said.<\/p>\n Measles cases have climbed in Pennsylvania. <\/p>\n \u201cMeasles is one of the most contagious viruses known to man,\u201d Michaels said.<\/p>\n While some viruses may remain in the air for minutes, measles remains for two hours and can rapidly spread.<\/p>\n Michaels couldn\u2019t discuss specifics of the confirmed case, but did tell Channel 11 what parents should look out for.<\/p>\n The virus starts with cold-like symptoms followed by a rash that starts on the face or head and spreads downward.<\/p>\n \u201cAbout 1 in 100 will go on to have pneumonia. 1 in 1000 can have brain disease from the virus; 1 to 2 in a thousand children who have not been vaccinated and get measles can die from it,\u201d Michaels said,<\/p>\n She says the vaccine is very effective.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you had your vaccines, you do not have to worry,\u201d Michaels said.<\/p>\n MMR shots are currently recommended when a child turns 1and again before going to school.<\/p>\n Michaels says babies have some protection if their mom was vaccinated, but anyone exposed to measles should contact their doctor. <\/p>\n She says the shots are safe and that online theories suggesting otherwise are misinformation.<\/p>\n \u201cThis vaccine is safe, the virus is not safe, the virus does not have any health benefits; there is no benefit to having measles,\u201d Michaels said.<\/p>\n Children\u2019s Hospital is working with the county health department to notify anyone who may have been exposed to that measles case.<\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n