Independence Health System chief medical officer urges vaccination against measles, cases reported in Erie
As a nationwide outbreak of measles inches closer to Butler County, a doctor with Independence Health System is encouraging people to vaccinate.
There have been no reported cases in Butler County thus far, however, Dr. Michael Fiorina, chief medical officer of Butler Memorial Hospital, urges people to take the most effective step they can and get themselves and their children vaccinated against the illness.
“By far, the best way to protect yourself is to make sure you are vaccinated,” Fiorina said. “Most cases in the U.S. are among the unvaccinated.”
On March 24, two positive cases of measles were reported in Erie County. They are believed to be linked to international travel.
Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases in the world. According to Fiorina, the virus has a reproductive number between 12 and 18 — meaning that one infected person can spread the illness to about that many people.
Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, eye inflammation and visible red spots around the body. According to Fiorina, one in 1,000 cases can be fatal. Treatment is usually supportive in nature, meaning that it treats the symptoms and not the underlying illness.
“Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration,” Fiorina said. “Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fevers and sore muscles. If dehydration is too much for oral rehydration, the patient can receive intravenous fluids.”
As of Thursday, March 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting 483 confirmed cases in 20 states, including Pennsylvania. This surpasses the 285 positive measles cases from all of 2024, and includes one child in Texas who died in January as a direct result of the illness — the first measles-related death in the United States since 2015. The CDC updates confirmed measles case number weekly on Fridays based on numbers as of the preceding Thursday.
Of the known 2025 cases so far, 89% are among those who have not received a dose of the measles vaccine. According to Fiorina, the measles vaccine — first made available in 1963 — is the most effective weapon available against the illness.
“One dose of the vaccine produces a 93% efficacy, and the two-dose series produces a 97% efficacy,” Fiorina said.
The most common vaccine available, and the one offered at Independence Health facilities, is called MMR — a combination vaccine that, as its name implies, offers protection against measles, mumps and rubella. A first dose is typically given to children at age 12 to 15 months, and the second at age 4 to 6 years.
“The vaccine is considered to provide lifelong immunity,” Fiorina said. “Those with two doses do not need to have a booster.”
However, Fiorina recommends those who are unsure of their measles vaccine status to get another shot.
