Penn State Health notifies public of potential measles exposure at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital

Penn State Health is notifying the public of a potential measles exposure at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Penn State Health confirmed an individual tested positive for measles and may have exposed others due to their presence in the main lobby of the Children’s Hospital on Aug. 17 between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Penn State Health advises anyone who may have been exposed to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms. Individuals who are not vaccinated are most at-risk for infection. Getting vaccinated is the best protection from the highly contagious measles virus, providing 97% lifetime protection after two doses.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects the lungs and spreads when an infected person breathes, 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.

Penn State Health is working closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. People who believe they were exposed to measles and are experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider or call the Department’s toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).

If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email Penn State Health Marketing & Communications.