PITTSBURGH, Pa. — A Pennsylvania mother is speaking out after learning that her 2-month-old daughter may have been exposed to measles during a visit to a children’s hospital.
Lauren Shoup, a mother of three, told that her infant daughter was at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh on Aug. 27 for what was supposed to be a routine appointment.
Days later, the family received a concerning call from the hospital.
“Six days later, we were contacted by the hospital saying she was exposed to measles. It’s terrifying; my daughter is 2 months old. She can’t be vaccinated until 12 months for measles,” Shoup said.
The news has left the family taking extra precautions as they wait and watch for any signs of illness.
Health Department Reports Measles Cases
The Allegheny County Health Department reported on Sept. 1 that it had learned of two individuals who were at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh on Aug. 27 and later tested positive for measles.
The announcement followed an earlier health department alert involving another person who tested positive for measles and had been at the hospital’s Emergency Department on Aug. 12 and Aug. 18.
The reports prompted health officials and the hospital to notify people who may have been exposed.
For families with very young children, the situation can be especially concerning because infants may not yet be eligible for routine measles vaccination.
Why the Baby Is Too Young for Routine Vaccination
Shoup said her daughter is only 2 months old, meaning she is far younger than the age at which children routinely receive the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
The CDC states that routine MMR vaccination begins at 12 months of age, leaving very young infants particularly dependent on other protective measures and the vaccination status of people around them.
UPMC acknowledged the concerns surrounding the potential exposure.
“We understand how concerning a potential measles exposure can be, especially when it involves a child,” a UPMC spokesperson said in a statement.
The hospital said its clinical and Infection Prevention teams are providing information and guidance to people directly affected.
Mother Says Baby Remains Healthy
Despite the frightening news, Shoup said her daughter is healthy right now. However, the baby remains in quarantine while the family closely watches for symptoms.
The precautions have also meant missing important family moments.
“It’s sad,” Shoup said. “She missed her brother’s birthday dinner. She can’t go to any of their games; they play hockey. She’s just missing a lot of family events.”
For the family, those missed activities are an added emotional burden as they wait to see whether the infant develops any symptoms following the reported exposure.
UPMC Responds as Officials Monitor Exposure
UPMC said it is reviewing concerns that have been raised and remains committed to working with public health officials.
“Measles is a highly contagious disease, and vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and vulnerable members of the community who may be unable to receive vaccines or may not develop full protection because they are too young or have certain medical conditions,” the spokesperson said.
The hospital also cited patient privacy in declining to discuss individual patient care.
At this point, Shoup’s daughter has not been reported as having measles. Her family is continuing to follow guidance and monitor her condition while remaining in quarantine.
The situation highlights the particular concern that measles exposures can create for infants who are too young for routine vaccination.
What would you do if your infant was exposed to measles at a hospital? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for updates as health officials continue monitoring the situation.