Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello and Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services Director Bob Dowd told LebTown late Friday morning they are waiting for state authorities to tell them exactly where measles cases have been diagnosed in Lebanon County.
Through Thursday, May 7, the Pennsylvania Department of Health had identified 12 measles cases somewhere in the county, 10 of which were confirmed in unvaccinated people.
Measles is a highly contagious, potentially deadly airborne disease, spread mainly through exhaled respiratory particles that can remain in the air for hours after an infected person has left a room. It is generally considered much more contagious than COVID-19.
Capello and Dowd said the DOH so far had not told them where in the county the 12 victims are located. Recalling the 2020 COVID epidemic, Dowd said he was “frustrated” with DOH and concerned that the lack of specifics could hamper his department’s response to the measles outbreak.
Echoing DOH advice, Capello issued a media release Friday morning urging city residents to “consult with their healthcare provider regarding vaccination status and preventative care. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles and helps protect not only individuals, but the broader community.”
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