Possible Measles Exposures Reported at Philadelphia Airport

<p>The City of Philadelphia reported two possible measles exposures within a week, with the latest occurring at Philadelphia International Airport. The exposure took place at airport terminals B and F, as well as connecting areas in terminals C, D, and E, on Sunday, September 13, from 7:45 p.m. to Monday, September 14, at 12:05 a.m., according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.</p><p>The individual with measles was traveling through Philadelphia and did not leave the airport. Health officials encouraged those who were potentially exposed to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.</p><p>This incident marks the second reported measles exposure in the Philadelphia area, following an earlier case reported on September 17 at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The first exposure occurred on September 11 at various locations.</p><p>The Pennsylvania and Philadelphia health departments, along with CHOP, stated they are working closely to ensure that potentially exposed infants receive a preventative antibody product to prevent or lessen severe disease and to take steps to prevent further spread of measles.</p><p>Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson noted that this week’s measles exposures serve as a reminder of the importance of being up to date on vaccinations. She stated, "Every Philadelphian who is fully vaccinated has little to fear from the situation at CHOP and the airport. Even more importantly, every one of those people is doing their part to help protect our most vulnerable from measles. With outbreaks continuing in Pennsylvania and other places, this is even more important."</p><p>The health department advised that anyone who has been exposed and is not immune, is unsure of their vaccination status, is an infant, is pregnant and not immune, or is immunocompromised should contact their doctor. They also mentioned that some individuals may still be eligible for treatment after exposure that can prevent measles or reduce the severity of illness. Anyone developing symptoms should call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility and inform the provider about the possible measles exposure.</p><p>In August, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania confirmed two measles-related deaths, marking the first fatalities related to the virus within the state in 35 years. The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed that both individuals from Lancaster County were unvaccinated.</p><p>The MMR vaccine, administered in two doses, can boost a person’s immune system and provide 97% lifetime protection, according to health officials. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can be fatal in one to three patients per 1,000 cases, according to data. It can cause long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20% of individuals who contract measles requiring hospitalization.</p><p>Measles spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, transmitting the virus through respiratory droplets. It can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area, experts caution.</p><p>Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, which can start seven to 21 days after exposure. A rash typically follows a few days later, beginning on the head and spreading to the rest of the body.</p>