Health officials in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, are investigating one confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated child, county officials said Sunday.
Montgomery County Office of Public Health investigators are working with the child's guardians and health care providers for contact tracing and notifying anyone who might have been exposed to the virus, the announcement says.
The child visited these locations during the infectious period, officials say:
The case comes as measles cases are popping up around the country, including at least one case in New Jersey confirmed in February. One child has died from measles in Texas, where an outbreak has infected more than 140 people this year.
"Because of how contagious the measles is, there's always a chance of an outbreak, and outbreaks start with a single case," said Dr. Alvin Wang, chief medical officer at the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety.
Wang said the patient went to some other public locations where exposures may have occurred as well.
Where did the patient contract measles?
CBS News Philadelphia has learned that the patient is a little boy who recently traveled to Vietnam. He had symptoms when he was seen at the pediatrician's office in Plymouth Meeting and at CHOP King of Prussia but is now recovering at home.
The child who has measles is too young to be vaccinated.
"If there's a chance that you were in one of the locations at the same time that this individual was, then the next step is to check your vaccination status and certainly be vigilant for symptoms of the measles to develop," Wang said.
What is measles?
Measles, which is caused by a virus, is one of the most contagious diseases and can cause severe infections in the lungs and brain that can lead to cognitive issues, deafness or death. Doctors and health officials say the vaccine, which is normally given as part of the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, is highly safe and effective. The first dose of the MMR vaccine can't be given until children turn one, so babies are especially susceptible.
Measles is transmitted through the air from coughing and sneezing.
"Measles is one of the most infectious diseases that we know," Dr. Robert Danoff, of Jefferson Health, told CBS News Philadelphia last year.
Measles symptoms — which include a rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and red and watery eyes — start to appear one to two weeks after a patient is exposed, according to the CDC. A person who's been infected can start to spread the virus before showing symptoms.
Montgomery County officials said the MMR vaccine is available with local health care providers and pharmacies and have posted more information on the county website
If you suspect that you or your child have measles and wish to seek care, the county says you should call your health care provider, urgent care or hospital emergency room before leaving home, or contact the Office of Public Health at 610-278-5117 to plan a safe visit and reduce exposure for staff and other patients. Health care providers should report suspected cases of measles immediately to OPH at 610-278-5117 or after hours at 610-635-4300.
Taylor Johnston and Sara Moniuszko contributed to this report.
Stephanie Stahl
Stephanie Stahl is an Emmy Award-winning health reporter. She can be seen daily on CBS News Philadelphia and Philly57.
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