Camden County Monitoring Measles Cluster In Philadelphia

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — The Camden County Health Department is closely monitoring a measles cluster detected in Philadelphia, officials said.

Philadelphia health officials have confirmed four cases and identified two possible cases of the deadly disease. The cluster has impacted unvaccinated residents, including two who were hospitalized and released, the city Department of Public Health said Thursday.

• Read more: More Potential Measles Exposures Prompts Alert From Philly Officials

No cases have been reported in Camden County, officials said Friday afternoon in a news release. The New Jersey Department of Health has been collaborating with Philadelphia officials to identify and communicate with close contacts.

Measles is highly contagious — 1 in 5 unvaccinated Americans who contract measles is hospitalized, according to the CDC. One in 20 children with measles gets pneumonia — the most common cause of death for children with the virus — while cases can also lead to deafness, intellectual disabilities and death.

Measles can be prevented with MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella). Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccination, and the Vaccines for Children Program can assist uninsured parents with costs.

Camden County health officials urged residents to stay vigilant and get up to date with measles vaccination.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and update the public as we learn more," said Dr. Paschal Nwako, the county health officer. "We also encourage our residents to be up to date on the two-dose MMR vaccine because the best way to prevent these types of situations is through community-wide vaccination."

Measles symptoms typically appear a week or two after infection, according to the county health department. The first symptoms are usually:

• High fever
• Rash (usually appears 3-5 days after symptoms begin). The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.
• Red, watery eyes or pinkeye
• Runny nose
• Cough

If you're exhibiting symptoms or have been exposed to someone with measles, call your primary care physician to get tested or report the exposure. For general questions, call the Camden County Health Department at 856-374-6000.