Mold Remediation in King Of Prussia, PA

A patient who came to a hospital emergency room in Montgomery County was diagnosed with Pennsylvania’s first confirmed measles case this year amid a national surge of the highly contagious virus, according to health officials.

According to the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Office of Public Health, an infected patient was seen at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in King of Prussia on Wednesday. No other details about the patient were available Saturday.

“More information will be shared regarding exposure sites, dates and times when available,” a spokesperson for the county’s public health office said in a written statement. “CHOP and the Office of Public Health have been in contact with potentially affected individuals.”

Measles is a highly infectious virus that spreads through breathing infected air or touching infected surfaces, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The illness can be especially dangerous for children under 5, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.

A measles infection can lead to respiratory failure, inflammation of the brain, and death. The virus can also, in rare cases, cause a yearslong decline of the brain that results in death. Symptoms, which include a high fever, cough, Koplik’s spots (lesions on the inner lining of cheeks), and a rash, can appear about a week or two after exposure.

The local case is one of 164 across nine states this year as of Thursday, according to the CDC’s most recent data.

On Wednesday, Texas health officials announced the death of an unvaccinated school-age child in rural West Texas, marking the first measles-related fatality in the nation since 2015.

In response to the growing outbreak, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been critical of long-established vaccines, initially expressed minimal concern over the rise in cases.

“We’re following the measles epidemic every day,” Kennedy said during President Donald Trump’s cabinet meeting on Wednesday. “Incidentally, there have been four measles outbreaks this year in this country. … So it’s not unusual. We have measles outbreaks every year.”

On Friday, however, Kennedy said in a post on X that ending the outbreak is a “top priority” and that his heart went out to the families affected.

Several measles cases were identified in the Philadelphia region in the 2023-24 winter. Nine people contracted the virus, including five children from a Northeast day-care center. The outbreak began after an infant from another county who contracted the disease while abroad was hospitalized at CHOP.

While the United States had eliminated measles in 2000, Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at CHOP, said the ongoing outbreaks are caused by a “critical percentage” of parents choosing not to vaccinate their children.

Based on a new report from Children First PA, the nonmedical exemption rate of Philadelphia kindergartners (those who request vaccination exemptions for reasons other than medical need) quadrupled from 0.6% to 2.4% between 2015 and 2024.

Offit said the reason a growing number of families are avoiding the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine is because of the spread of disinformation and the mishandling of cases by figures like Kennedy.

“You have someone who’s the head of Health and Human Services who hasn’t stood up and said the one thing you want to hear him say, which is: Get vaccinated and vaccinate your children.”

Of every 1,000 children who are infected with the disease, between one and three will die, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

Nearly 34% of the 164 reported measles cases in 2025 involve children 5 and under, and 48% are between ages 5 and 19, according to the CDC.

To prevent the contraction and spread of the disease, health officials highly recommend the MMR vaccine. One dose, which babies can receive when they are a year old, is 93% effective at preventing measles, according to the CDC. Two doses improve that rate to 97%.

In Philly, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is free to all residents at any Philadelphia health center. For an appointment, call (215) 685-2933.

Staff writer Abraham Gutman contributed to this article, which contains information from the Associated Press.

Clarification: This article was updated to clarify the number of measles cases in Philadelphia in the 2023-24 winter and include updated information on how residents can get vaccines.

This is a photo collection curated by AP photo editors.

April 3, 2025|Updated April 3, 2025 3:00 p.m.

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Health officials in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania have confirmed a case of measles in a child, and say it's possible members of the public were exposed.

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- Health officials in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania have confirmed a case of measles in a child, and say it's possible members of the public were exposed.

The Office of Public Health said Sunday that the case involved an unvaccinated child who lives in the county. The child's hometown was not released.

Officials said contact tracing is now underway and people who may have been exposed are being contacted.

Members of the public may have been exposed at the following times and locations:

February 25-26, 2025

-China Airlines Airport Shuttle Bus

-Departing JFK Airport Terminal 4, arriving at Summerdale, Pho Ha Saigon, 757 Adams Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19120

-From February 25 at 9:30 p.m. to February 26 at 3:15 a.m.

February 26, 2025

-True North Pediatrics Associates of Plymouth

-3031 Walton Rd., #C101, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

-11:45. a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

February 26, 2025

-CHOP King of Prussia Campus Emergency Department

-550 S. Goddard Boulevard, King of Prussia, PA 19406

-12:52 p.m. - 3:02 p.m.

Dr. Brett Gilbert, the Chief of Infectious Diseases with Main Line Health, said the virus can be transmitted as many as four days before a patient will see or feel any symptoms, including cough, congestion, and a rash.

"On this Earth, it's the most contagious, infectious disease," Dr. Gilbert said. "So if you are sitting in a room with ten people and one person has it, within an hour, 90 percent of people could have measles."

Public health officials say dealing with this rise in measles cases could be a lengthy ordeal, prompting recently-confirmed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to now urge parents to vaccinate their children.

Health officials say the majority of people living in Montgomery County have gotten their MMR shots and more than 95 percent of kindergartners in the county have been vaccinated.

But this rise in measles cases across the country has them very concerned.

"Measles has been eradicated since 2000. There are cases that pop up here or there but unfortunately, with the recent decline in vaccination rates, we are seeing more and more cases come up across the country, sometimes with fatal results," said Dr. Alvin Wang of Jefferson Health.

Health officials ask that if you suspect that you or your child have measles and wish to seek care, call your health care provider, urgent care, or hospital emergency room before leaving home.

You can also contact the Office of Public Health at 610.278.5117 to facilitate a safe visit and reduce exposure for staff and other patients.

Health care providers should report suspected cases of measles immediately to OPH at 610.278.5117 or after hours at 610.635.4300.

Measles virus can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. If someone breathes in the contaminated air or touches an infected surface and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth, they can become infected.

Health officials continue to encourage everyone to get the measles vaccine if they haven't done so already.

This news comes after three cases of measles were reported in New Jersey and Texas is dealing with an outbreak with dozens of cases reported.

RELATED: 5 key questions about measles answered amid outbreak

Montco officials released the following details about measles and the vaccine:

The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing measles.

-For individuals who are properly immunized against measles, the risk of getting the disease is minimal. Individuals who believe they were exposed should:

-Review their immunization and medical records to determine if they are protected against measles.

-Consult with their health care provider about receiving measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization if they have not had measles infection or received the measles immunization previously. Contact and notify their health care provider as soon as possible about a potential exposure if they are pregnant, have an infant (child under the age of 1 year old), have a weakened immune system, and/or are not vaccinated.

-Monitor themselves for illness with fever and/or an unexplained rash, cough, congestion or runny nose, or red watery eyes (conjunctivitis) from 7 days to 21 days after their exposure (the time period when symptoms may develop). If symptoms develop, stay at home and call a health care provider immediately.

Individuals are considered to be immune to measles if any of the following applies:

-They were born in 1957 or earlier.

-They have had 2 doses of Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

-They have had measles disease.

The following groups of people are potentially susceptible to measles:

-Infants who are too young to have been immunized (less than one year of age).

-Children who are only partially vaccinated (less than 6 years old).

-Persons who were vaccinated with an inactivated or unknown type of vaccine, which was used from 1963 through 1967, and have not been revaccinated.

-Some persons born after 1957 who have only received one dose of vaccine.

-Those who have refused vaccination

-Those from areas of the world where there is low vaccine coverage or currently circulating measles.

-Immune-compromised persons, such as organ transplant recipients, patients receiving chemotherapy and people living with HIV/AIDS.

-Individuals who meet the above criteria or cannot verify their immune status should consult with their primary healthcare provider about the best way to protect themselves from measles.

About Measles

Measles is an extremely contagious virus that lives in the mucus membranes of the nose and throat of infected people. Measles can be transmitted from person to person through coughing and sneezing. If a healthy person breathes the contaminated air or touches an infected surface, then touches their eyes, nose or mouth they can become infected. When an infected person sneezes or coughs, droplets spray into the air and those droplets can contain active and contagious virus which will last in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.

Measles typically begins with a fever (100.4F or higher) that lasts for several days, followed by a cough, runny nose, and watery eyes (conjunctivitis). Two to three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear in the mouth. Three to five days after symptoms begin, a flat red spotted rash appears beginning on face at the hairline and spreads downwards to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. The flat red spots may also be joined by small, raised bumps. Symptoms appear about 7-14 days on average after exposure but can be as long as 21 days.

Measles is preventable with two doses of MMR vaccine which is available at your local healthcare provider or pharmacy. OPH can assist by providing recommendations for testing, outbreak prevention, and disease management.

For questions, call OPH at 610.278.5117. For more information about measles, visit here. To find information about immunizations visit here.

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Aimee Mann, Wood Brothers, Steve Earle, Nick Lowe, and more will highlight a big summer in KOP.

Patch Staff

UPPER MERION, PA — With the weather heating up early this spring, King of Prussia's summer season of outdoor festivals and celebrations is just around the corner.

The Concerts Under the Stars series has announced its headliners for the 2025 season, with shows running from May 16 through Aug. 30.

Performers this summer include Aimee Mann, Wood Brothers, Steve Earle, Nick Lowe, The Legendary Wailers, Trevor Hall, California Honeydrops, Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers, Low Cut Connie, and more.

The event, entering its 39th year, will take place at the Upper Merion Township Building Park.

"As in years past, Rising Sun Presents and Upper Merion Township will pull out all of the stops for a completely immersive, family-friendly outdoor experience for all ages," organizers said. "From a beer garden with local craft brews and cocktails for the adults, to an assortment of local food trucks serving a variety of delicious bites to eat during all events, plus lawn games and access to the adjoining playground for the young ones in tow."

Find out what's happening in Norristownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Events will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weeknights, and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on certain Sundays.

Tickets went on sale on Tuesday.

To purchase tickets and for more details, see here.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is working with Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to identify people who may have been exposed to a confirmed measles case in an unvaccinated child from Montgomery County.

If you were in any of the locations below during the listed times, check to see if you’re immune to measles and watch for symptoms.

Did you know? Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. Here’s why:

Measles can affect anyone who isn’t immune to the disease, but it is especially dangerous for babies who are too young to get the measles vaccine and young kids who haven’t received the vaccine. While at least 94.5% of children in Philadelphia are vaccinated by age 6, more cases of measles in the region puts our communities at risk.

The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is 97% effective at preventing measles when two doses are given. One dose is 93% effective.

Did you know? Before the vaccine became widely available, measles outbreaks would kill over 2.6 million people each year around the world. MMR vaccine has been safely used for decades and saves lives.

If you or your child need vaccination, now is the time to get protected.

Children:

Adults:

If you’re traveling internationally:

The following groups should receive a vaccine dose at least 2 weeks before travel:

You can get a free MMR vaccine at City health centers Monday through Friday from 9am – 1pm:

No insurance? No problem. These clinics provide free vaccines for everyone.

Kids can also get vaccinated at their pediatrician’s office or at a retail pharmacy (call the pharmacy for age requirements).

If you’re immune:

No action is needed. You’re considered immune if you don’t have a weakened immune system and meet one of the following:

Received just one dose of MMR vaccine? You’re still protected against measles and usually don’t need to stay home away from others (also called quarantine) after an exposure. However, you may need a second vaccine dose – contact your healthcare provider or pediatrician immediately to find out more.

If you’re NOT immune:

Take immediate action. This is very important for babies too young for vaccination, pregnant women without immunity, and people with weakened immune systems:

If you’re not sure about your immunity:

Measles symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after exposure and develop in stages:

Early symptoms

Later symptoms (2-5 after symptoms start)

Rash on different skin tones

Measles is highly contagious, but completely preventable with vaccination. Don’t wait – check your status today!

Visit the Health Department’s Immunizations Program, Preparedness Program (under Infectious Disease), and Health Alerts for more information.