The Bucks County Health Department has reported a confirmed case of measles in the area. An adult, who was previously vaccinated and had recently returned from Texas, is the resident diagnosed. The individual visited various locations while likely contagious, with health officials becoming aware of the positive test result for measles just this past Wednesday.
For those who happened to visit Starbucks on 2896 S. Eagle Road in Newtown during the specified times of March 19, from 10:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., there's a need to be vigilant for symptoms that might slowly begin to manifest. Among the common signs of measles are a cough, a runny nose, or red eyes, and other possible indicators include a headache, sneezing, and a red rash typically commencing on the face and neck. Symptoms can take up to two weeks post-exposure to make their unwelcome appearance.
Following the discovery of the case, the Health Department has initiated contact tracing efforts for all other places the individual is confirmed to have visited. This is being done to properly notify those who may have been exposed to the virus. Dr. David Damsker, the director of the Health Department, emphasized the efficacy of vaccination, stating, "Two doses of the vaccine will be 97 percent effective in preventing all illness. However, even though a vaccinated person can still get measles, they are more likely to experience a mild illness and are thus less likely to spread it," according to the department's announcement. High rates of community vaccination were underscored as critical for the containment of the virus.
The Health Department is urging anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus, and who plans to seek medical care, to notify their healthcare facility ahead of arrival. This precaution is to ensure the healthcare team can prepare to safely manage the situation and prevent further contagion. For inquiries or more information, James O'Malley can be reached at 215-348-6414 or through email at [email protected].
