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MILL HALL -- Vaccination and the prevention of measles briefly came up during Lamar Township's public comment at their monthly meeting Tuesday, Sept. 1, with officials discussing the importance of being vaccinated and noting that vaccinations are available locally following a positive case in the township.
During the discussion, a representative from Lamar Township Volunteer Fire Company noted that some individuals are not vaccinated and questioned where vaccinations could be obtained.
"They do the vaccinations here," secretary Tracy Roberts said, referring to the availability of vaccinations at the township building. More information from the township will be available as it is set.
The conversation also touched on the potential seriousness of measles and the importance of vaccination. One participant remarked that while they did not consider vaccination to be a major concern personally, becoming seriously ill could change that perspective.
The discussion came as part of public comment near the conclusion of the brief meeting.
Measles cases reported in Clinton and nearby Centre and Lycoming counties continue to rise very slowly.
Measles is considered highly contagious, with symptoms typically developing between seven and 21 days after exposure. Those symptoms may include high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, Koplik spots inside the mouth and a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
In Clinton County, two cases have been reported, according to the Department of Health's most recent numbers. This is compared to just one case, which DOH reported in August.
Centre County's reported cases of measles have increased from 13 to 15, according to the DOH.
In Lycoming County, reported cases increased from 1 to 3, according to the DOH.
Area medical facilities have implemented precautions to help prevent the spread of the contagious disease, after medical facilities within Mount Nittany Health and Geisinger reported exposure of measles.
In early August, Mount Nittany Health reported measles exposure at two of its facilities -- Mount Nittany Health Toftrees and Mount Nittany Medical Center's Emergency Room.
Due to the exposure, the healthcare system has implemented measles screening tests at its outpatient facilities and is encouraging patients who believe they may be experiencing symptoms to contact their primary care provider.
Geisinger Medical Center in Danville also reported potential measles exposure at its facility in August.
Geisinger implemented additional precautions at public entrances at facilities throughout its Central Region, including Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Union and Schuylkill counties.
Meanwhile, Mount Nittany implemented measles screening tests at its outpatient facilities and is encouraging patients who believe they may be experiencing symptoms to contact their primary care provider.
UPMC has not reported any cases of possible measles exposure in its North Central Pennsylvania locations, but a spokesperson for the healthcare network told The Express in August its staff are taking steps to ensure the safety of its patients.
"We follow established precautions to provide that care while protecting all in our facilities," the spokesperson said. "Early notification is key -- if you know or suspect that you or your child has been exposed to someone with measles or have symptoms consistent with measles, please alert your health care provider before arriving at the health care facility. Vaccination is highly effective at preventing measles."
All three healthcare networks emphasize the importance of vaccination in combating the disease.