2 test positive for measles after visiting UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

Key Points:

• Two visitors to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh last week tested positive for measles, leading to warnings of possible exposure in multiple hospital areas including the main lobby, third-floor waiting and clinic rooms, cafeteria, and elevators.
• Hundreds of people were potentially exposed during the visit, marking the largest exposure event seen by hospital officials; this is the third confirmed measles case linked to the hospital this year.
• The Allegheny County Health Department noted this is the first confirmed measles case in the county since 2019, and officials urge those exposed to verify vaccination status and seek medical advice.
• Measles is highly contagious, spreading through airborne droplets and remaining viable on surfaces for up to two hours; symptoms appear 7-21 days post-exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a spreading rash.
• The cases are part of a broader measles outbreak in Pennsylvania with nearly 500 infections this year, primarily among unvaccinated individuals, centered around Lancaster County and other affected areas.