The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is alerting travelers and the general public to possible measles exposures connected to a person who traveled through the city last week.
According to health officials, the individual—who has since been confirmed to have measles—traveled through multiple high-traffic transportation hubs in Philadelphia on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the general public but urged those who may have been exposed to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.
Health officials identified the following locations where exposure may have occurred:
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. People who are not vaccinated can become infected up to two hours after a person with measles has left the same enclosed space.
Early symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and red, puffy eyes, followed by a rash. In severe cases, measles can lead to pneumonia, brain infection, or death.“We believe there is no threat to the general public associated with this case of measles,” Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson said in a statement. “We encourage people who were possibly exposed to take action if they are not protected against measles.”
Raval-Nelson noted that measles outbreaks are occurring in several countries, increasing the likelihood of travel-related cases in the United States.
The Health Department said the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent serious illness. The vaccine is routinely recommended for children between 12 and 15 months of age, with a second dose given between ages 4 and 6.
Infants under 12 months are not routinely eligible for the vaccine, though infants ages 6 to 11 months should receive a dose before international travel. Families planning international trips are encouraged to speak with a healthcare provider at least two weeks before departure.
People are generally considered protected against measles if they were born before 1957, have previously had measles, or have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (usually given as MMR vaccine).
Health officials recommend that anyone who may have been exposed determine whether they are immune. Those who are vaccinated do not need to take further action — MMR vaccines are extremely effective at preventing measles.
People who are not immune should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss vaccination. Individuals who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or under 12 months old should consult a provider immediately, as exposure management may differ.
Health officials note that measles is contagious for 4 days before to 4 days after the rash starts, adding that people who are not immune and may have been exposed could give measles to someone at high risk before they know they have it. To prevent that from happening, experts say you should wear a mask in indoor public spaces and around anyone who is unvaccinated until 3 weeks after the exposure.
Anyone who may have been exposed and develops symptoms through Jan. 28, should contact a doctor right away and notify them of the possible exposure. The Health Department also asks residents to report symptoms by calling 215-685-6740. Pennsylvania residents outside Philadelphia should contact the state health department at 877-724-3258.
More information about measles is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Updates on local exposures will be posted at phila.gov/measles as needed.
