Symptoms to Watch for After Children's Museum Measles Exposure

After “a person who likely has measles” spent time in public places in Delaware and Philadelphia counties this week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is urging the public to be aware of the symptoms of the disease.

Possible public exposure to the measles occurred this week at

• CVS Pharmacy, 316 E. Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, Pa.: Sunday, Dec. 28, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
• Please Touch Museum, Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa.: Monday, Dec. 29, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

“Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus,” the Pennsylvania Department of Health said, adding that the measles is “a vaccine-preventable disease.”

Symptoms begin one to two weeks following exposure, the Health Department said, and include:

• a runny nose
• watery eyes
• cough
• high fever
• a raised, red rash.

The rash begins on the face, the Health Department said, and spreads down the body and out to the arms and legs. The rash usually lasts four to seven days.

“An individual with measles can spread the virus to others for four days before and four days after the rash begins. It is spread by sneezing or coughing, touching contaminated objects, and direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions,” the Health Department said. “Infected droplets and secretions can remain contagious on surfaces for up to two hours.”

The vaccine for measles is “highly effective,” the Health Department said, but the following groups may be at risk:

• Infants less than one year of age who are too young to have received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine;
• Individuals who were vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine, which was used from 1963 through 1967, and have not been revaccinated;
• Individuals born after 1957 who have only received one dose of MMR vaccine;
• Individuals who refused vaccination;
• Individuals from parts of the world where there is low vaccination coverage or circulating measles.

Complications from measles can include ear infection; diarrhea and pneumonia; inflammation of the brain; miscarriages or premature delivery in pregnant women; and death.

If you suspect that you are at risk or were exposed, contact your health care provider.