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Politics & Government

County Health Department Identifies Probable Cases of Measles in Area

The probable cases live in the Council Rock School District, children who have not been vaccinated will be removed from the schools until the possible incubation period of illness is over

The Bucks County Health Department  is warning the community about "three probable cases of measles that could have exposed other persons while infectious."

The possible cases are reported to be partially vaccinated and in a majority of cases measles is not a serious health risk, but for some it can cause serious health issues.

The possible transmission of the communicable illness is said to have taken place at the following locations: Saturday night, April 30, at the Murder Mystery Dinner at the Cock and Bull Restaurant in Peddler’s Village, Lahaska; Saturday, April 30, between the hours of 11 a.m. and noon at the Parx Casino blackjack tables.

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The announcement, made late Thursday afternoon, said, the probable carriers were, "French foreign exchange students who were symptomatic for measles, but returned to their native country prior to testing." Residents are asked to be aware of symptoms associated with measles "between now and May 17. "

Symptoms to be aware of are  "runny nose, watery eyes, cough and a high fever. After four days, a raised, red rash starts to spread on the face, down the body and out to the arms and legs."

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The statement goes on to say, "If you develop a rash and/or fever, don't  attend places where there are large gatherings of the public.  If you think you might have  contracted the measles, call your physician  and let him/her know that you may have been exposed to measles."

Dr David Damsker, director of the Bucks County Department of Health said this "shows more than ever the importance of vaccinating your family. Diseases that are rare in the U.S. are still circulating around the world, and are only a plane flight away. This is another reminder to check with your physician and make sure you and members of your family are up-to-date on their vaccinations.”

A majority of the population is immune to the virus because of prior exposure or receiving the Measels Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine during childhood.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health "is conducting an ongoing investigation of suspected cases of measles in Bucks County with a possible link to Lancaster County" PR News-Wire is reporting. If you want more comprehensive information on measles visit the Center for Disease and Control website.

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