Health officials warn of possible measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Health officials are warning that there may have been a possible measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health says an individual with measles was traveling through the airport and that the exposure may have happened at Terminals A and B at PHL on Sunday, between 8:50 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“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.”

The Health Department is encouraging people who were exposed to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. People who aren’t protected against measles can get the virus up to two hours after someone else with measles left the same room or airspace, according to health officials.

The early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, cough, and red, puffy eyes, followed by rash. In some people, it can be a very serious infection that leads to pneumonia, brain infection, and death.

“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. 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,” Raval-Nelson added.

The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective and is the best way to avoid serious complications of a vaccine-preventable disease, city health officials say. The MMR vaccine is routinely recommended for patients 12-15 months with a second dose given at age 4-6 years.

Infants under 12 months are not routinely eligible for the vaccine and are not protected. However, they noted that infants 6 to 11 months old should receive a dose of the MMR vaccine to protect them before traveling internationally.

Officials recommend that families who are traveling outside the United States should speak to their infant’s doctor at least two weeks before departing for their trip.

Anyone possibly exposed to the measles case at the airport should:

• Determine if you are protected against measles.

• Look at your vaccination records or ask your healthcare provider to see if you have already had two doses of this vaccine.

• If you are protected from measles, you do not have to do anything. MMR vaccines are extremely effective at preventing measles, health officials say.

• If you are not protected from measles, you should receive a dose of the MMR vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn how you can get this vaccine.

• Those who are under 12 months of age, pregnant and not immune, or are immunosuppressed (have a weakened immune system) should consult with their healthcare provider as soon as possible. Management of exposure to measles may be different with these conditions.

• Measles is contagious for four days before to four days after the rash starts. If you are not immune and may have been exposed, you could give measles to someone at high risk before developing a rash. To prevent that from happening, please wear a mask in indoor public spaces and around anyone who is unvaccinated until three weeks after the exposure.

• If you are not immune and may have been exposed, and you develop any symptoms through November 30 that appear like measles, contact your doctor immediately. You should also notify your local health department (Philadelphia: 215-685-6740) or the state health department at 877-724-3258 for residents of other counties in Pennsylvania if you develop measles symptoms.

For more information about measles, visit the CDC’s webpage on measles. The Health Department will post any updates on exposures on phila.gov/measles as needed.