Penn State Health warns of possible measles exposure in Hershey and Lancaster

Penn State Health said on Oct. 23, 2026, that the public may have been exposed to measles at Lancaster Medical Center and Golisano Children’s Hospital in Hershey after an individual tested positive for the virus. The health system said it is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and is asking anyone who may have been in the affected areas to review their vaccination status and watch for symptoms.

Where the possible exposures happened

According to Penn State Health, the exposure risk involved three specific hospital locations and time windows. The person who tested positive was present in the Lancaster emergency department overnight, and later at two areas of Golisano Children’s Hospital in Hershey.

• Lancaster Medical Center Emergency Department: 10:50 p.m. Oct. 18 to 4:04 a.m. Oct. 19
• Golisano Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Perianesthesia Unit: 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Oct. 19
• Golisano Children’s Hospital, Main Lobby and 6th Floor Lobby: 3:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21

The health system did not identify the person involved, and its notice focuses on helping people determine whether they may have been exposed during those periods.

Who should be most concerned

Penn State Health said people who are not vaccinated are at the greatest risk, especially pregnant women and children younger than 12 months. It also said people with weakened immune systems because of disease or medication should contact a physician right away for next steps.

The notice says two doses of measles vaccine provide about 97% lifetime protection. For people who are unsure about their immunization history, the health system’s guidance is to check records and speak with a health care provider if needed.

What symptoms to watch for

Measles can take time to appear after exposure. Penn State Health said symptoms may begin 7 to 21 days later. The signs it listed include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the head or face and then spreads downward.

Because measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, the health system said the virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person has left the area.

What exposed people should do now

Penn State Health said anyone who believes they may have been exposed and is developing symptoms should contact a health care provider immediately or call the Pennsylvania Department of Health hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).

For ordinary readers, the notice is a reminder that measles exposure can matter even after a short visit to a hospital lobby, clinic area or emergency department. The key steps are to check vaccination status, monitor for the warning signs listed by the health system and seek guidance quickly if symptoms appear.

Source: Penn State Health News