DANVILLE — In part one of a two-part look at Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak, a Geisinger infectious disease specialist is warning about the disease itself. Dr. Stanley Martin says measles is the most contagious virus known and can cause pneumonia, encephalitis, permanent brain damage and, rarely, death.
Martin says measles can also weaken a person’s immune system for years after infection. He says a rare, fatal brain disease called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can develop as long as a decade later.
Martin says Pennsylvania has recorded 393 confirmed cases this year, including two deaths. He says the actual number of infections may be higher because not everyone seeks medical care. He says measles is 100% preventable. Part two Monday. More info at geisinger.org.
