The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed the first measles case of the year in Westmoreland County, according to a report by WPXI.
Health officials have not released additional details about the patient or the source of exposure. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The announcement comes as measles cases have been reported in various parts of the United States in recent years, following periods of increased vaccine hesitancy in some communities. Public health officials routinely urge residents to verify their vaccination status when cases are reported in their area.
No additional cases in the county have been announced at this time.
