Possible Measles Exposure Reported at Philadelphia Airport

Health officials in Philadelphia are warning the public about a possible measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). A traveler who had measles passed through the airport on Sunday, September 13, starting at 7:25 p.m., and into the early morning of Monday, September 14, until 12:05 a.m. The person was in Terminals B and F, as well as the connecting areas between Terminals C, D, and E. Officials say this case is not connected to a separate measles case reported at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health said the sick traveler did not leave the airport during that time. Health officials are urging anyone who was at PHL during those hours to check if they are protected against measles. People should look up their vaccination records to make sure they are up to date. Getting vaccinated is one of the most important steps people can take to stop the spread of disease.

Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson spoke about how serious this issue is. She said vaccinated people are not only protecting themselves but also helping to keep others safe. This is especially important for people who cannot get vaccinated, such as very young babies or those with certain health conditions. Officials want every Philadelphia resident to check their vaccination status right away.

Measles is a disease caused by a virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can stay in the air for several hours, making it very easy to catch. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. Even brief contact with an infected person in the same room can cause the disease to spread.

The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Two doses of the vaccine offer very strong protection against the virus. There is also a vaccine called MMRV, which adds protection against chickenpox. Health officials say the vaccine is safe and works extremely well for both children and adults.

If you were at the airport during the exposure and are not immune, watch for symptoms until October 2. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a skin rash. If you feel sick, call your doctor right away and explain that you may have been exposed to measles. You should also contact your local health department as soon as possible.

The airport exposure is happening during a larger measles outbreak across Pennsylvania. As of last Saturday, the state has reported 767 cases and four deaths linked to the disease. The outbreak has caused a public disagreement between Governor Josh Shapiro and federal Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Health experts continue to say that vaccination is the safest and most effective way to stop measles from spreading.