The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is warning travelers of a potential measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport earlier this week.
Health officials said an individual infected with measles passed through Terminals A and B on Sunday, Nov. 9, between 8:50 a.m. and 4 p.m. Anyone who was in those areas during that time may have been exposed to the virus, the department announced Tuesday afternoon.
The department is advising anyone who was at the airport during that window to monitor for symptoms and to contact their healthcare provider if they suspect infection. Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing and sneezing and can linger in the air for up to two hours.
Early symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, cough, and red, puffy eyes, followed by rash. In some people, it can be a severe infection that leads to pneumonia, brain infection, and death.
The Health Department is encouraging people who were exposed to check their vaccination status and be vigilant for symptoms of the disease.
“We believe there is no threat to the general public associated with this case of measles,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson. “We encourage people who were possibly exposed to take action if they are not protected against measles.
"Many countries, including travel destinations, are experiencing measles outbreaks, so the potential for travel-related measles cases and subsequent outbreaks in the United States has increased," Raval-Nelson added. "We strongly encourage parents to follow the CDC’s immunization schedule and get their children fully vaccinated as soon as they are able. People planning to travel outside the United States should speak with their doctor about their travel plans and vaccinations needed.”
The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective, and has been deemed the best way to prevent serious complications of a vaccine-preventable disease.
The vaccine is routinely recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old, with a second dose administered between ages 4 and 6.
Infants younger than 12 months are not typically eligible for the vaccine. However, for families traveling internationally, one dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended for infants between 6 and 11 months of age. Families who are traveling outside the United States should speak to their infant’s doctor at least 2 weeks before departing for their trip.
For more information about measles, visit phila.gov/measles. The Health Department will post updates on exposures as needed.
