Two measles cases have been confirmed in Erie County. Both are linked to travel
Measles has arrived in Erie County.
The Erie County Department of Health reported Monday that two cases of measles have been confirmed in Erie County residents. Both cases have been linked to international travel.
While more than 350 measles cases in the United States have been reported this year to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there's no indication yet of a more widespread problem in northwestern Pennsylvania.
According to a news release, "At this time, the Erie County Department of Health (ECDH) does not have reason to believe there is a high risk of community spread or exposures in relation to these cases."
The Ohio Department of Health reported last week that Ohio's first case of measles this year had been confirmed in Ashtabula County, located just west of Erie County.
The Ohio case involved an unvaccinated adult who had been in contact with someone who traveled outside the country.
Vaccination status unknown for Erie County cases
The Health Department didn't say in its announcement whether the two people infected here had been vaccinated.
The local Health Department did stress, however, the importance of being vaccinated against the highly contagious respiratory infection.
According to a statement, "Individuals who are fully vaccinated are 97% less likely to contract the virus and infect others."
Without that protection, measles can be easy to contract with viruses remaining in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.
The Health Department reports that one in five people infected with the measles is likely to be hospitalized with complications such as dehydration and pneumonia. Measles can also cause more serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5.
An updated measles tracker, maintained by the CDC, shows that 378 U.S. cases have been confirmed so far this year. One of those resulted in death, while a second death is under investigation.
There is one common denominator among those infected. Ninety-five percent of confirmed measles cases involved people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
'A hectic, intense time': Erie doctor, nurse remember 1990 measles outbreak
Erie County, which had a measles outbreak in 1990 that affected 44 people, hasn't had a confirmed measles case since 1991.
For more information about measles and vaccines, contact your health care provider or visit the CDC website.
Contact Jim Martin at jmartin@timesnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Measles: Erie County Health Department confirms 2 measles cases