Measles Exposure in Montgomery County: What You Necessitate to Know
Montgomery County health officials are alerting residents to a potential measles exposure after a person diagnosed with the highly contagious virus visited a Nissan dealership in Royersford and a Wawa in Limerick between February 16th and 19th, 2026.
Exposure Locations and Times
Individuals who were at the following locations during the specified times may have been exposed:
- Nissan 422 of Limerick, 55 Autopark Boulevard, Royersford, PA 19468: February 16th, 2026, 8:45 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. And February 18th, 2026, 8:45 a.m. To 7:15 p.m.
- Wawa, 579 N. Lewis Road, Limerick, PA 19468: February 16th, 2026, 8:30 a.m. To 11:00 a.m., February 18th, 2026, 8:30 a.m. To 11:00 a.m., and February 19th, 2026, 11:45 a.m. To 2:15 p.m.
Health officials emphasize that measles can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left a location. The exposure window includes the visit times plus an additional two hours.
Understanding the Risk and Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can cause fever, an unexplained rash, cough, congestion, a runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Those most vulnerable to complications include infants and children under five years old, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Did you know? Pennsylvania has already reported five confirmed cases of measles in 2026, a notable increase from the six cases reported in all of 2024 and the 16 cases in 2025.
Protecting Yourself and Others
The best defense against measles is vaccination. Individuals are generally considered protected if they were born in 1957 or earlier, or if they have received two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, or the number of doses recommended based on age.
If you were in either location during the specified times and are unsure of your vaccination status, health officials recommend checking your records and contacting your healthcare provider or the Office of Public Health for guidance.
Pro Tip: Always call your healthcare provider before visiting if you suspect you may have been exposed to measles. This allows them to take necessary precautions to protect other patients and staff.
What to Do If You Develop Symptoms
If you develop any measles symptoms within 21 days of potential exposure, it’s crucial to stay home and contact your doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and isolation can help prevent further spread of the virus.
The Growing Concern of Measles Resurgence
This exposure in Montgomery County is part of a broader trend of increasing measles cases globally and within the United States. Declining vaccination rates in some communities are contributing to the resurgence of this preventable disease. Public health officials are actively working to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and to contain outbreaks.
FAQ
- What are the symptoms of measles? Fever, unexplained rash, cough, congestion, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
- How long after exposure do symptoms appear? Symptoms typically appear within 21 days of exposure.
- Who is most at risk from measles? Infants and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
- How can I protect myself? Get vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.
- What should I do if I suppose I’ve been exposed? Check your vaccination records and contact your healthcare provider.
Stay informed about public health alerts and vaccination recommendations by visiting the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services website.
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