A new outbreak of measles across the U.S. has made headlines recently, but the first known case was reported in Pittsburgh this week.
The Allegheny County Health Department reports it was discovered in an adult who is unvaccinated and recently traveled abroad. They were treated at UPMC Shadyside on Monday.
NPR reported Tuesday that measles cases in the U.S. are the highest they’ve been in 25 years, with 704 cases recorded in 22 states. While the re-emergence of measles in the U.S. can be linked to parents deciding not to vaccinate their children, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the recent outbreak in the U.S. follows a global surge in the virus.
Measles are highly contagious and spread through coughing, sneezing or contact with saliva. The person in Pittsburgh may have exposed others at the Giant Eagle Market District on Centre Avenue (during the evening of Friday, April 26 and the afternoon of Sunday, April 28) and Aldi on Baum Boulevard (during the evening of Friday, April 26).
The health department says anyone who may have been exposed would experience symptoms between now and May 30. According to the health department, symptoms include a rash, high fever, coughing, and red, watery eyes.
In a statement, county health director Karen Hacker urged individuals who believe they have measles symptoms to contact their primary care provider immediately.
“Do not go directly to the office, urgent care center or emergency room, as this may expose other persons," she said.
