The City of Philadelphia is addressing two potential measles exposures within a week, with the most recent alert at Philadelphia International Airport. According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the exposure took place at terminals B and F, along with connection points to other terminals C, D, and E, from Sunday, September 13, starting at 7:45 p.m., until Monday, September 14, at 12:05 a.m.
The individual with measles was traveling through the airport and remained within the premises. Health officials urge those potentially exposed to verify their vaccination status and remain vigilant for symptoms.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes, followed by a rash starting on the head and extending down the body.
This incident follows another case reported on September 17 at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The exposure at CHOP happened on September 11 at various locations, including:
- CHOP NICU West, 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- CHOP NICU West Family Lounge, 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- CHOP Atrium, 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- CHOP Main Cafeteria, 12:05 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Collaboration is ongoing between the Pennsylvania and Philadelphia health departments and CHOP to ensure infants potentially exposed receive preventive antibody treatment to avert or reduce severe disease. They also aim to limit further measles spread.
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson emphasized the importance of maintaining up-to-date vaccinations for everyone. Vaccinated individuals are less at risk and are contributing to the protection of the community’s vulnerable members amid ongoing outbreaks in Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
The health department advises exposed individuals, especially those unsure of their vaccination status, infants, pregnant women without immunity, or anyone immunocompromised, to contact their doctor. Eligible individuals might still receive treatment after exposure to prevent measles or mitigate illness severity.
Testing for symptoms should involve contacting healthcare facilities ahead of visits and informing them of potential exposure.
In August, Pennsylvania reported its first measles-related deaths in 35 years, affecting unvaccinated individuals from Lancaster County. Health officials strongly recommend vaccination for all children.
The MMR vaccine, administered in two doses, significantly boosts immunity and provides 97% lifetime protection from measles. Measles, known for its high contagion rate, can lead to fatalities in one to three out of every 1,000 cases, as data shows. Complications may involve pneumonia and brain swelling, with hospitalization required for nearly 20% of infected individuals.
Measles spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain active in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.