The Philadelphia Department of Public Health announced on Saturday that a possible measles exposure took place at Philadelphia International Airport.
According to their press release, the exposure took place on Sunday, September 13, from 7:25pm to Monday, September 14, at 12:05am at Terminals B, F, and areas used to connect to other terminals in C, D, and E.
City health officials also reported a possible measles exposure at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia between 9:30am and 4:15pm on Friday, September 11 at CHOP’s main building, though the incidents are not connected.
“The individual with measles was traveling through Philadelphia and did not leave the airport. The Health Department is encouraging people who were exposed to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms. Please note: this is a separate measles case and is not connected to the recently announced CHOP exposures,” the release said.
People who were in these areas during the listed time should check whether they are immune to measles, officials said. Anyone who is not immune, is unsure of their vaccination status, is an infant, is pregnant and not immune, or is immunocompromised should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
“This week’s measles exposures are a reminder of how important it is for all of us to be up to date on our vaccinations,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson. “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. I encourage everyone to visit phila.gov/measles to learn more about measles, the MMR vaccine, and what they can do to keep themselves, their families, and their community safe.”
As of Friday, the state health department confirmed 767 measles cases in 38 of the state’s 67 counties, with 93 new cases reported in the last week.
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