Pa. Mom Says Her Newborn Was Exposed to Measles in Hospital NICU

In a concerning incident at Geisinger Medical Center, a Pennsylvania mother has come forward following her newborn’s exposure to measles while in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Brittany Nicole Sponenberg from Danville has been sharing her distressing experience after discovering that her son had been potentially infected during his care.

Sponenberg’s son, who was born with underdeveloped lungs and gut issues, had been under close observation in the NICU for nearly two months. Last week, she received a troubling call from the hospital alerting her that an adult visitor had tested positive for measles after spending time in the unit. The adult in question fell ill with a fever and rash on August 17, with subsequent confirmation of the measles diagnosis on August 18.

Feeling alarmed, Sponenberg expressed her shock upon learning of the exposure, particularly as she was not informed until three days later, once her son had been transferred to a different hospital. “It was incredibly disheartening,” Sponenberg recounted. “The news came at a time when he was already facing health struggles, and now we were faced with yet another risk.”

Sponenberg’s son’s doctor advised that while the risk of contracting the disease was minimal, he would require additional medication as a precautionary measure. Following this, he was moved to an isolated room for 28 days, highlighting the heightened safety protocols now necessary due to the outbreak.

Brittany shared her outrage over the situation, stating, “It upset me enormously because he had already faced so many challenges. He shouldn’t have to go through this.” The stress of raising a newborn with medical issues is compounded by the need for further interventions that come from exposure to a preventable disease.

In response to this incident and the rising concerns over measles cases, Geisinger Medical Center announced that it would be updating its visitor screening protocols. These new measures mean that only parents or legal guardians without any symptoms of measles will be permitted entry to the NICU and the adjacent children’s hospital. Visitors will now also be strongly encouraged to wear surgical masks during their time on the premises to prevent further potential spread.

Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick, Geisinger’s Central Region Chief Medical Officer, indicated the importance of these changes in a statement. He noted that thorough entrance screenings were crucial to protect patients, visitors, and staff amid rising measles cases in the region. “Our protocols rely on sharing accurate health information at the point of entry,” Dr. Fitzpatrick explained.

As measles gains notoriety once again, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant spike in cases across the United States, reaching a staggering 2,777 confirmed infections as of August 20. This figure marks a 35-year high with outbreaks noted in 47 states, and poses serious concerns about the drop in vaccination coverage.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through airborne transmission, often via respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Contamination can also occur through touching surfaces where the virus resides, with its potential to remain infectious in the air for up to two hours.

With the symptoms of measles typically appearing within seven to fourteen days following exposure, including high fever, cough, and runny nose, prompt detection and prevention are critical. The MMR vaccine, comprising two doses, is reported to be 97% effective in preventing measles.

A pressing public health issue arises as CDC estimates suggest that approximately 20% of unvaccinated individuals who contract measles will require hospitalisation due to complications. The alarming rise in cases is a reminder of the ongoing need for public awareness and the importance of vaccination in controlling infectious diseases.

In light of this disturbing situation, discussions continue between the hospital and families of NICU patients affected by exposure, focusing on care options and safety measures. As communities face this resurgence of a preventable illness, the importance of rigorous health protocols and vaccination remains critical to safeguarding public health.