As Measles Cases Rise In Philly, None Confirmed In Bucks: Officials

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — As health officials are responding to an outbreak of measles in Philadelphia and possible exposure at two Abington facilities, Bucks County has not confirmed any cases of the virus, a spokesperson said Wednesday.

County spokesman James O'Malley said the Bucks County Department of Health is tracking "a small number of possible exposures" among residents. He added that the BCDH "does not consider any of those exposures to be high risk" at this time.

Philadelphia health officials confirmed a ninth case of measles on Wednesday, which is also the fifth associated with a day care outbreak.

Eight of those cases are in Philadelphia and one is not, officials said.

Measles is a virus that spreads very easily from person to person. Those infected with measles can spread the virus to others who are not protected against the virus through direct contact with respiratory droplets, or through droplets in the air from coughing and sneezing. The early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, cough, and puffy eyes, followed by rash. In some people, it can be a very serious infection that leads to pneumonia, brain infection and death.

Anyone who is not vaccinated against measles is strongly encouraged to seek vaccinations.

Officials are warning the public to potential exposures to the virus at the following Philadelphia locations, dates, and times:

• Jefferson Health, 33 S. 9th St./ 833 Chestnut St. — Dec. 19
• Multicultural Education Station Day Care, 6919 Castor Ave. — Dec. 20 to Dec. 21
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd. — Dec. 28 and Jan. 1
• Nemours Hospital — Dec. 29
• St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Emergency Department, 160 E. Erie Ave. — Dec. 30 to Dec. 31, overnight to mid-afternoon
• St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Inpatient Unit 5 North, 160 E. Erie Ave. — Dec. 31 through Jan. 3
• Nazareth Hospital, Emergency Department, 2601 Holme Ave. — Dec. 31 and Jan. 2

Exposures may have occurred at two Montgomery County facilities, as well.

According to the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Office of Public Health, potential exposures occurred at Holy Redeemer Pediatric Urgent Care Meadowbrook and Jefferson Abington Hospital Emergency Department.

Patch's Max Bennett contributed to this report.

Related article:

• New Measles Case Identified By Philly Health Officials