Learn how to keep you and your family protected
In the last week, two cases of measles were confirmed locally. Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, has been working closely with state and local health departments to highlight early identification, awareness among parents, and quick action.
Measles can be very contagious. It is transmitted by contact with infectious droplets or through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms that can appear in about a week include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. A telltale rash of flat, red spots starting on the face, then spreading to the chest, trunk, and arms often follows.
“Measles can also cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5, adults older than 20, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems,” says Timothy Friel, MD, Regional Chief Clinical Officer, Jefferson Health. Severe complications include pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain).
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) provides information and resources on its website and launched a measles dashboard to keep Pennsylvanians informed about cases and efforts to contain the spread among people who are unvaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the best way to protect against measles is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Measles can be prevented and most vaccinated individuals are already protected.
The CDC considers you protected from measles if you fall into one of the following categories:
The CDC also considers you protected if:
PA DOH issued a health alert in late June 2026, recommending early booster shots for children 1-6 years, at least 28 days after their initial MMR vaccination. For infants 6-11 months, the PA DOH is recommending a “dose zero” MMR vaccination, which provides about 58% protection against measles. Children who receive a “dose zero” would still follow the normal MMR vaccine schedule after that. The MMR shot is not approved for children younger than 6 months.
“Since the PA DOH alert, LVPG Pediatrics practices have been offering the option of earlier MMR shots and boosters to help ensure young patients have the best possible protection against the measles,” says pediatric infectious diseases physician Tibisay Villalobos, MD, with LVPG Pediatric Infectious Diseases.
A small number (less than 5%) of adults vaccinated between 1963-1967 received an inactivated (killed) measles vaccine. Adults who received this type of vaccine, or do not know what type of vaccine they received between 1963-1967, should talk to their clinician to receive one or two doses of current MMR vaccine.
If you’re not sure whether you are fully vaccinated, talk with your clinician. Your primary care clinician or your child’s pediatrician can order a blood test called an MMR titer that will show whether you have antibodies to measles. Infectious diseases specialists note that the MMR vaccine has been essential in controlling the disease.
If you, your child, or someone you care for may have the measles or were exposed to someone with the measles, call your primary care clinician or your child's pediatrician for guidance. Because measles is so easily spread, do not go to the office without calling first.
Alternatively, you could schedule a video visit with your clinician or child's pediatrician. For options, log in to your MyLVHN account or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare for more virtual care information.
If you or someone you care for needs emergency treatment, alert the ER front desk team when you arrive if you suspect you have, or your loved one has, the measles. They will take precautions to protect others who come to the ER.
