Geisinger is notifying patients and the public about a potential measles exposure at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville after a visitor suspected of having the highly contagious illness was on the hospital campus earlier this week.
According to Geisinger, the health system learned that a visitor with a high suspicion of measles was present at Geisinger Medical Center between 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, and 9 p.m. Thursday, August 13, 2026.
Following a review, Geisinger determined the individual had been in several areas of the medical center during that period, including:Geisinger Medical Center Emergency Department waiting room
- GMC Pediatric Emergency Department
- Janet Weis Children's Hospital second floor
- GMC Atrium
- Fluoroscopy
“Our top priority is always to keep our patients, staff and the community safe,” said Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick, Geisinger's Central Region chief medical officer. “While the risk for people who are immune to measles is low, we want those who may have been on campus during this period to have the information they need to understand their risk and take appropriate precautions.”
Geisinger said people are generally considered at low risk for measles if they were born before 1957, previously had measles or have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine.
Anyone unsure about their vaccination history or immunity is encouraged to contact their primary care physician.
Unvaccinated individuals are at significantly greater risk of contracting measles following an exposure. Immunocompromised individuals may also face an increased risk even if they have previously been vaccinated and should contact their healthcare provider for guidance.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose and red or watery eyes, followed by a rash that generally begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles is being urged to call their healthcare provider before visiting a doctor's office, urgent care center or emergency department. Calling ahead allows healthcare workers to take precautions to prevent potentially exposing other patients, visitors and staff.
In response to the potential exposure, Geisinger is also implementing additional precautions at public entrances at facilities throughout its Central Region, which includes Schuylkill, Columbia, Montour, Northumberland and Union counties.
Patients and visitors may see additional signage and could be asked questions about possible measles exposure, symptoms and vaccination status when entering Geisinger facilities.
Geisinger said the measures are intended to protect patients, employees, visitors and the broader community while the health system continues monitoring the situation.
The health system is also working with public health officials and said additional information will be released as appropriate.