The City of Philadelphia has reported two potential measles exposures within a week. The most recent exposure occurred at Philadelphia International Airport on Sunday, September 13. Terminals B and F, along with connecting areas in terminals C, D, and E, were affected from 7:45 p.m. to 12:05 a.m. the following Monday.
Health officials stated that the infected individual was traveling through Philadelphia without leaving the airport. Those potentially exposed are encouraged to check their vaccination status and monitor themselves for symptoms.
The exposure at the airport is the second reported case in the Philadelphia area. The first case was reported on September 17 at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
On September 11, exposure was reported at CHOP in locations such as NICU West, the NICU West Family Lounge, CHOP Atrium, and CHOP Main Cafeteria during specific hours.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health, along with the Pennsylvania health department and CHOP, is taking measures to provide a preventative antibody product to exposed infants. This aims to prevent severe disease and control the spread of measles.
Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson emphasized the importance of vaccinations in preventing measles, especially with ongoing outbreaks in Pennsylvania. She reassured those fully vaccinated that they are well-protected.
The health department urges exposed individuals who are not immune, unsure of their vaccination status, pregnant, immunocompromised, or infants to contact a doctor.
In August, Pennsylvania confirmed two measles-related deaths, marking the first such fatalities in the state in 35 years. Officials stress the need for all children to receive the MMR vaccine, which provides 97% lifetime protection through two doses.
Measles is a highly contagious virus with a fatality rate affecting one to three people per 1,000 cases and can cause lasting health issues like pneumonia and brain inflammation. Nearly 20% of infected individuals require hospitalization.
A person infected with measles can transmit the virus through respiratory droplets when breathing, coughing, or sneezing. These droplets remain infectious in the area for up to two hours. Early symptoms appear seven to 21 days after exposure, generally starting with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash.