The Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued a warning regarding potential measles exposure at a Target store located on Quentin Road in Lebanon County. This advisory was publicly shared via a release on Thursday.

The exposure window occurred on October 23, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., when an individual confirmed to have measles was present in the store.

Recommendations for Visitors

The Department of Health encourages anyone who was in the Target store during the specified time to check their vaccination status. Those who are not vaccinated against measles are considered to be at higher risk for infection.

Due to privacy laws, the department is unable to provide personal details regarding the individual who tested positive, but it confirmed that the person is following isolation protocols.

Understanding Measles Symptoms

Measles is known for its high contagion rate and can be transmitted through breathing, coughing, or sneezing by an infected person. Notably, the virus can remain active in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the infected person has left the area.

Symptoms can manifest between seven and twenty-one days post-exposure and generally include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes

A characteristic rash typically follows, starting on the face or head and spreading downwards.

Action Steps for Potentially Exposed Individuals

If you might have been exposed to measles and have not been vaccinated, it is advised to reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible or contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).

Those who start to exhibit symptoms should also seek medical attention promptly.

The health department emphasizes that vaccination is the most effective form of protection against measles, with two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine offering an estimated 97% efficacy in preventing the disease.