Measles Exposure Possible At These Philly-Area Locations: Health Officials

PHILADELPHIA — Health officials in Philadelphia are warning the public of potential measles exposure at two locations.

According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, measles exposure was possible at Pennsylvania Hospital Emergency Department, 800 Spruce St. in Philadelphia, from 3:55 p.m. to 11:20 p.m. Sunday; and Holy Redeemer Hospital Emergency Department, 1648 Huntingdon Pike in Meadowbrook, between 6:05 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Tuesday.

This measles case was exposed while traveling abroad and is not connected with the outbreak in the western states.

Officials on two occasions in March warned of potential measles exposure at various locations.

Anyone at the Holy Redeemer Emergency Department on Wednesday during the times listed above who is not protected should receive a dose of MMR vaccine by Friday. Those who do not receive an MMR vaccine in this time, you will need to stay home for 21 days, or until April 29.

Anyone at the Pennsylvania Hospital Emergency Department on Sunday during the times listed above who is not protected should contact their healthcare provider and stay at home until April 27. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms.

Those who develop any measles-like symptoms through Sunday, April 27, if they were at Pennsylvania Hospital, or Tuesday, April 29, if they were at Holy Redeemer Hospital, should contact their doctor immediately.

Early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, cough, and puffy eyes, followed by rash.

"Sadly, we have identified another case of measles in our region. We believe there is no threat to the general public because of this case," Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, said. "As vaccination rates across the country continue to drop, there are more and more opportunities for people who cannot be vaccinated to be exposed to this deadly disease. However, because Philadelphia has high rates of immunity against measles, we are hopeful that this case won’t spread further. For us to keep that protection, it is critical for everyone who isn’t already immune from measles and can be vaccinated, get vaccinated as soon as possible."

Anyone who was potentially exposed at any of the previously listed locations during the indicated times should determine if they are immune from measles. Those who are protected from measles do not have to do anything. Measles vaccine is extremely effective at preventing measles, health officials said.

People who are not protected from measles but are exposed should quarantine for 21 days after the exposure. If someone who is quarantining due to measles must go out, they should wear a mask the entire time they are out. Wearing a mask won’t completely prevent spread, but it will help lower the chances of them spreading measles to others, health officials recommend.

Anyone who is unprotected should contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.

Measles is a virus that spreads very easily from person to person among unvaccinated people. Anyone with measles can spread the virus to others who are not immune 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. Measles is contagious for four days before to four days after the rash starts. In some people, including infants and those with weakened immune systems, it can be a very serious infection that leads to pneumonia, brain infection, or death.

Anyone under 12 months of age, pregnant and not immune, or are immunosuppressed (have a weakened immune system) and were at any of the exposure locations should consult with their healthcare providers as soon as possible.

Those who develop any measles-like symptoms through should contact their doctors immediately.

Anyone who believed they may have been exposed to measles should notify their doctors and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health by calling 215-685-6740, then pressing option 5.

Residents looking for vaccine opportunities for their children should visit the Health Department’s Get Vaccinated webpage or talk with their pediatrician. Residents who may be traveling in the future should visit the Health Department’s Travel Vaccines webpage or talk with their healthcare provider.

Residents who do not know if they were vaccinated can request their Philadelphia-based vaccine records by requesting immunization records through the Health Department.