Schuylkill County has its first reported case of measles, according to the state Health Dept.
The measles case in Schuylkill County is 1 of 25 reported across Pennsylvania since Sept. 18. There are now reported cases in 39 Pennsylvania counties.
The most cases (323) are being reported in Lancaster County since the beginning of this year. Most of the 792 cases statewide have been reported since April, specifically in August and September. More than 500 cases have occurred in people between the ages of 18-49, according to Health Dept. data.
Measles is highly contagious, though the Dept. of Health says there’s no evidence of community transmission of the disease in Schuylkill County right now. Coughing or sneezing can easily spread the virus and measles can live for up to two hours in the air after an infected person leaves an area.
Measles victims often acquire a blotchy rash. However, an infected person can spread measles up to four days before a rash appears.
Other symptoms of measles include a high fever, coughing, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. These symptoms can last up to two weeks. Though most cases of measles are not fatal, hospitalization may be required for treatment. Children under the age of 5 are most at risk of developing serious symptoms, the Health Dept. says.
Information on where the Schuylkill County case was reported was not immediately available Monday.
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