Confirmed measles case linked to visitor at Montgomery County car dealership and Wawa store.

Montgomery County health officials have issued a warning regarding potential exposure to measles at two locations within the county following the confirmation of a new case of this highly contagious disease. The exposed individual was reported to have visited a car dealership and a convenience store in Royersford and Limerick earlier this week.

This recent case is linked to a previous outbreak in the county, which was identified earlier this month. Richard Lorraine, the medical director of the Montgomery County Health Department, reported that the initial measles case was associated with a larger outbreak connected to a college in Florida. An infected person associated with this outbreak traveled to Montgomery County, visiting an urgent care center in Collegeville on January 29. Subsequently, two residents of Montgomery County, related to the initial case, developed measles while they were already under quarantine.

The latest confirmed case—a vaccinated adult—exhibited symptoms approximately 20 days after being exposed at the urgent care clinic. The measles virus has an incubation period of up to 21 days, meaning that symptoms can develop well after the initial exposure. Notably, all reported measles cases in Pennsylvania this year, including those in Montgomery County, have involved unvaccinated individuals.

Officials are actively monitoring those who frequented the locations where potential exposure occurred. The locations of concern include Nissan 422 of Limerick and Wawa convenience store in Limerick, with specific dates and times outlined for public awareness. Individuals present at these locations may have been exposed, as the virus can remain airborne for up to two hours.

Health authorities recommend that individuals born in 1957 or later, who have not received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, call their healthcare provider if they suspect they were exposed. Those without vaccination documentation also have options, as the county can test for measles immunity. If necessary, individuals can receive an MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure to potentially prevent the disease.

Currently, Pennsylvania health officials have confirmed 11 measles cases statewide, including three in Montgomery County and additional cases in Lancaster and Chester counties. Moreover, health officials in Delaware have reported a case linked to a patient who visited an emergency room in Wilmington.

Health professionals emphasize the importance of measles vaccinations to mitigate potentially severe complications, which can include pneumonia and encephalitis. Vulnerable populations such as infants, unvaccinated children, adults over 20, and individuals with compromised immune systems face heightened risks associated with measles. County health officials continue to advocate for vaccination as the most effective defense against this potentially serious illness.

Residents exhibiting symptoms of measles are urged to remain at home and contact their healthcare providers promptly to ensure proper care and to minimize the risk of broader community exposure.