Doctors’ Notes

Back

What You Need to Know About the Measles Cases in Pittsburgh

*UPDATE, Monday, June 3rd

The Allegheny County Health Department has announced that all local measles cases have recovered and are no longer infectious.

At this point, more than a month possible public infection, and with no new cases reported in three weeks, there’s no longer a pressing local concern.

*UPDATE, Wednesday, May 15th

The Allegheny County Health Department today announced two more cases, both in unvaccinated persons, from the same family responsible for the previous cases.

Because of the nature of the cases and their containment within the same family, public health recommendations have not changed.

* UPDATE, Monday, May 6th, 9:00pm

The Allegheny County Health Department today announced three more locations for possible public exposure:

• The Milky Way restaurant, 2120 Murray Ave, Squirrel Hill, April 17th, 1-4 p.m

• Red White & Blue Thrift Store, 935 Ohio River Blvd., Avalon, April 24th, 11:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

• The National Aviary, North Side, April 28th, 12:30-5:30 p.m.

If you were at any of those places during those times, call us so we can determine if your child needs a dose of MMR now.

There is still no need for “early” doses of the vaccine if you were not at risk of exposure at the places and times listed.

*UPDATE, Thursday, May 2nd, 9:00pm

Several new cases of measles were identified today, again from international travelers, again not related to other outbreaks in the US.

The new locations and times for possible exposure were:

• The Pittsburgh Airport, April 16th, 7:30-10:00am

• Enterprise Rental Car, 2260 Babcock Blvd, April 30th, 2-5pm

If you were at either of those places during those times, call us so we can determine if your child needs a dose of MMR now.

There is still no need for “early” doses of the vaccine if you were not at risk of exposure at the places and times listed.

* ORIGINAL NOTE, Wednesday, May 1st, 1:15pm

As you’ve probably seen in the news, and perhaps in some stories making the rounds on social media, a case of measles has been confirmed in Pittsburgh.

The patient was an unvaccinated adult male who had recently traveled abroad.

The Allegheny County Health Department has identified two locations, both in the East End, where the public may have been exposed:

1. The Market District Giant Eagle in Shadyside on Friday, April 26th (from 6:30 to 9pm) and Sunday, April 28th (from 2:45 to 5pm.)

2. The Baum Boulevard ALDI on Friday, April 26th (from 6:30 to 8:45pm).

The ACHD recommends that anyone at those locations, at those times, who subsequently develops symptoms of measles should immediately contact your primary care provider.

Symptoms of measles usually appear 1-3 weeks after exposure. They include rash, high fever, cough, and red, watery eyes.

Because we’ve already heard from a lot of parents and families who are concerned, and because we know many more of you will have questions and concerns, we wanted — as always — to give you some good, clear information.

Here are the Key Points You Need to Know Right Now:

• If your child is up-to-date on the vaccine schedule, there is no need for any additional dose now. “Up-to-date” means 1 dose of MMR on or after their 1st birthday, and a second dose on or after their 4th birthday. You can see your child’s vaccine record on your portal account.

• There is no need, at this point, for an early first dose of MMR for the general public.

• If your child is known to be exposed, he or she might need an early dose of MMR before age 1, but that will depend upon details specific to your child. If you have reason to believe your child was exposed to measles, call us in the office right away.

• If your child has an exposure risk, has a high fever, and/or has a rash with flat red spots that appeared on the face and/or spread downward to the neck and trunk, call us in the office for an assessment.

• Please DO NOT come to Walk-In Hours if you think your child might have measles! Call us in the office first, so we can schedule an appointment and take appropriate isolation precautions.

We will, as always, continue to follow public health closely, and monitor the directions of the Allegheny County Health Department. And, as always, we will post all updates on our Facebook page, our Twitter feed, and our web site.

For more info, see this excellent American Academy of Pediatrics FAQ about Protecting Your Baby From Measles. And also this excellent set of CDC FAQs on Measles.

As always, if you have any other questions or concerns, you can call us in the office anytime. That’s why we’re here, and we’re always happy to help.