Families in Lancaster County, home to a large Amish and Mennonite population, are confronting a surge in measles cases that has reached local hospitals. The outbreak, now responsible for nearly 400 confirmed cases statewide, has exposed newborns in neonatal intensive care units and other vulnerable patients.
Infant exposure at Geisinger Medical Center
Brittany Nicole Sponenberg’s premature son, who has been in the NICU at Geisinger Medical Center for almost two months, was exposed to measles when an adult visitor fell ill between August 14 and August 17. The visitor developed a fever and rash on August 17 and tested positive for measles the following day. Sponenberg was not notified of the exposure until three days later, after her son had already been transferred to a hospital closer to home.
Doctors told the family that the infant’s risk of contracting measles was low, but he will receive an additional medication via injection and be placed in an isolation room with special air circulation for up to 28 days.
Community impact and personal stories
Kimberly Reichenbach, a 50‑year‑old former corrections officer who now drives Amish customers on errands, quit driving after she and her partner, both with health concerns, transported clients who were sick or potentially exposed. “If I get sick, who’s going to take care of my family?” she said, highlighting the anxiety felt by those caring for immune‑compromised relatives.
Other hospitals, including Penn State’s Golisano Children’s Hospital and UPMC Children’s Hospital in Allegheny County, have also reported exposures in waiting areas, underscoring the breadth of the threat.
Medical experts urge precaution
Dr. Jeffrey Martin of Lancaster General Health advises anyone who suspects measles infection to call ahead before seeking care, allowing staff to prepare safe evaluation spaces and protect other patients. Pediatric infectious‑disease specialist Dr. Buddy Creech explained that premature infants lack the antibodies transferred from mothers late in pregnancy, making them especially vulnerable to severe complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling.
Hospital response
Geisinger has revised its screening protocols: only parents or legal guardians without measles symptoms will be allowed in the NICU and nearby children’s units, and they will be asked to wear surgical masks. The hospital emphasized that the new measures aim to protect patients, visitors, and staff as cases rise.
While the changes have sparked concern among some parents about visitation rights, hospital officials note that restricting access is a last resort, typically reserved for highly contagious illnesses like tuberculosis.
Broader context
Measles remains the world’s most contagious disease, and unvaccinated individuals—whether due to age, medical conditions, or personal choice—are at greatest risk. The outbreak in Lancaster County marks the first measles‑related deaths in the area in 35 years, underscoring the importance of community vigilance and timely medical response.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
