Clinicians Urged to Consider Measles with Recent Outbreak

Currently, there is an ongoing outbreak of measles in Columbus, Ohio. As of Dec. 12, there were 73 confirmed cases with the growing concern of spreading to neighboring states, including Pennsylvania. Providers are encouraged to consider measles in patients presenting with clinically compatible symptoms. Providers who order testing must obtain samples from the following sites: throat/nasopharyngeal swab, urine, and serum. Timely measles testing is available through the PA Department of Health (DOH) Bureau of Laboratories after consultation with the local or state department of health. Measles is a reportable condition and providers should immediately report suspected cases to local health authorities or DOH. See Dec. 14 PAHAN 676 for more information.