Travelers visiting the New Stanton Service Plaza on the westbound Pennsylvania Turnpike in Westmoreland County on August 17 may have been exposed to measles, according to health officials. An infected individual who does not live in Pennsylvania visited multiple areas within the service plaza, prompting urgent vaccination status checks and symptom monitoring.
New Stanton Service Plaza Exposure Points and Timeline
State health officials released details regarding a potential public health exposure tied to an out-of-state traveler who tested positive for measles. The infected visitor spent time at the New Stanton Service Plaza along the westbound lanes of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Westmoreland County on August 17. The Pennsylvania Department of Health says someone who doesn’t live in the state tested positive for measles and may have exposed others to the virus.
Public health notices identify several specific zones inside the rest stop where contact could have occurred. Exposure areas inside the service plaza include the Burger King, Starbucks, Sunoco, 7-11, restrooms and dining area. Anyone who visited these locations during that visit is advised to review their immunization records immediately and monitor for symptoms. DOH advises anyone who may have been exposed at the service plaza, including at the Burger King, Starbucks, Sunoco, 7-11, restrooms, and dining area, to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.
Recognizing Symptoms and Protecting Against Infection
Measles is classified as a highly contagious virus that infects the lungs and spreads through respiratory droplets when a person who is infected breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Health authorities note that the infectious agent remains in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, even after the person with infection leaves the area.
Symptoms typically begin to manifest anywhere from seven to 21 days after exposure.
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery, or irritated eyes
- A characteristic rash that starts on the head or face and spreads downward
Individuals who are not vaccinated are most at-risk for infection. State health officials emphasize that receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine provides 97% lifetime protection against the virus. The only way to prevent measles is with the MMR vaccine. For individuals who believe they were exposed to measles, and are experiencing symptoms, the Pennsylvania Department of Health advises contacting a health care provider or calling the Department’s toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258). All residents are encouraged to monitor for symptoms.
Broader Public Health Context Across Pennsylvania
The spread of measles around the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has continued, with the state Department of Health advising people if they used a popular Western PA rest stop recently, they may want to monitor for symptoms. As of Wednesday afternoon, Pennsylvania is reporting 540 measles cases this year — 119 of which were reported in the last week.
So far, 91 people have been hospitalized and two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents. Medical professionals reiterate that complications from the virus can turn severe, noting that measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20% of infected individuals requiring hospitalization. With exposure windows spanning up to three weeks, officials continue to urge all residents to verify their vaccination history and remain vigilant for early signs of illness.
