Measles case reported at Pittsburgh hospital, marking Allegheny County's first since 2019

A patient at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh tested positive for measles, marking the first case in Allegheny County since 2019.

A spokesperson for UPMC said about 100 people were exposed, and they're in the process of contacting them. There's no ongoing risk of contracting measles at Children's Hospital, UPMC said. 

The Allegheny County Health Department said the patient was at the emergency department on Aug. 12 and Aug. 18. The patient isn't from Allegheny County, but officials didn't release any more information, citing privacy reasons.

This case in Pittsburgh comes as outbreaks spread in multiple states. So far this year, the U.S. has recorded the most measles cases in more than three decades. Ongoing outbreaks have put the country at risk of losing its official measles elimination status, which it has had since 2000. 

As of Friday, the Pennsylvania Health Department reported 379 measles cases in the state, 89 new ones in just the last seven days. None of the people are fully vaccinated, including the case in Allegheny County.

It's Allegheny County's first reported case of measles since 2019. The Allegheny County Health Department says measles is a highly contagious disease — up to 90% of people exposed to measles who are not immune will become infected. 

But the disease is vaccine-preventable. One dose of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is 93% effective against measles and two doses are 97% effective, the county health department says. 

The county health department recommends that people get vaccinated against measles to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the disease. 

UPMC says if you think you or your child has been exposed to someone with measles or has symptoms consistent with measles, which include a fever and a rash, alert your healthcare provider before arriving at a facility. The health system also noted that vaccination is "highly effective" at preventing measles. 

Dr. Marian Michaels, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at UPMC Children's, told KDKA-TV on Friday that she is "concerned" about the increase in cases.

"We are going to see more measles cases until people recognize how dangerous this virus is," she said. 

She said the infection starts with a runny nose and pink eye. Then you can get a cough and high fevers. Two to four days later, you'll develop a rash that only starts at the head and face and then works its way down the body. Eventually, it can cause serious complications.

"It puts you at risk for severe disease, and for pneumonia, and for brain disease or for fatalities," Dr. Michaels said.

At any age, if you think you or your child has measles or may have been exposed, doctors urge you to not go to their office, the emergency room or urgent care. Instead, stay home and call your provider first.

"They can listen, go through the symptoms, decide if it is possible that it's measles, and also be able to do the correct things to diagnose your child without putting other children at risk," Dr. Michaels said.

However, if you're not vaccinated, you're most at risk, but if exposed, you can have protection in most cases by getting the vaccine within 72 hours. If you've never received that second dose, she said it's worth it to ensure 97% to 98% protection.

"This vaccine has been used in millions of children, and it is extraordinarily safe," Dr. Michaels said. 

If you don't have health insurance, you may receive the vaccine at the health department's immunization clinic on First Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh. 

People who live in Allegheny County and are worried about a potential exposure are asked to contact ACHD at 412-578-8062. Anyone who lives in Pennsylvania and is concerned about a possible exposure should call the Pennsylvania Department of Health's toll-free hotline at 877-724-3258.