Geisinger Medical Center implements updated NICU visitation restrictions after potential measles exposure is identified
DANVILLE, Pa. – Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) in Danville is updating visitation rules to its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) following a potential measles exposure from a hospital visitor.
Effective immediately, visitation to the GMC NICU will be limited to only the patient’s parents or legal guardians if they do not have signs or symptoms associated with measles. Parents and legal guardians will be screened for symptoms upon entering the hospital as part of the hospital’s new entrance screening protocols that were implemented on Monday, Aug. 17. NICU visitors are highly encouraged to wear a surgical mask before entering the unit. These new visitation rules only apply to Danville’s NICU.
This change in NICU visitation rules comes as Geisinger learned that a visitor to the Danville NICU recently tested positive for measles after being in the unit. The individual was present on the GMC campus from 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17. Upon review, the individual only visited the NICU and Ronald McDonald House Danville while on campus.
Out of an abundance of caution, anyone who was in these areas during the identified time period should be aware of the potential exposure and monitor for symptoms. Individuals who have questions or concerns should contact their primary care physician for guidance. Vaccinated individuals are at far less of a risk for measles than those who are unvaccinated.
Earlier this week, Geisinger implemented public entrance screenings at facilities across the region, including GMC, using screening criteria that align with recommendations from the CDC and the state health department.
“Our teams established entrance screenings to best protect our patients, visitors and staff as measles cases are rising in the area. However, the screening process relies on accurate and complete information being shared at the time of entry,” said Michael Fitzpatrick, M.D., Geisinger’s Central Region chief medical officer. “We understand how important it is for parents and immediate family members to be present with loved ones in the NICU, and we did not make this change in visitation policy lightly. We carefully considered the impact on families before determining that these temporary restrictions were necessary to protect our most vulnerable patients.”
A NICU provides specialized, around-the-clock care for premature, critically ill or medically fragile newborns who require specialized treatment. Because these infants are especially vulnerable, NICU visitation is typically limited to parents and designated immediate family members.
Geisinger is collaborating with the families of NICU patients who may have been exposed to discuss appropriate care options.
People are generally considered at low risk for measles if they:
• Were born before 1957
• Have previously had measles
• Have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
Anyone who has questions about their vaccination history or immunity should contact their primary care physician.
Unvaccinated people are at significantly greater risk of contracting measles following exposure. Immunocompromised individuals may also be at increased risk, even if they have previously been vaccinated, and should contact their primary care physician 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 and spreads to the rest of the body.
Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles should call their healthcare provider before going to a physician’s office, urgent care clinic or emergency department. Calling ahead allows healthcare teams to take appropriate precautions to protect other patients, visitors and staff.
Patients and visitors to Geisinger facilities will see signage and may be asked questions related to potential measles exposure, symptoms and vaccination status. These precautions are being taken to help protect patients, staff, visitors and the broader community while Geisinger continues to monitor the situation.
Geisinger is working closely with public health officials and will provide additional information as appropriate.
About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in rural and urban communities across central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates $9 billion in annual revenues across more than 130 care sites — including 10 hospital campuses — and Geisinger Health Plan, with 509,000+ enrollees in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 600 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,600 clinical research studies. With 28,000 employees, including 1,900 employed physicians and 5,400 registered nurses, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $18 billion on the state’s economy. In 2024, Geisinger joined Risant Health, a nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
