The Philadelphia Department of Health is warning travelers of possible exposure to measles at Philadelphia International Airport.
The possible exposure occurred on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 2:50 p.m. to 6 p.m., in the federal inspection area of the airport’s Terminal A West, according to the Department of Health. Authorities said a person with measles was passing through the airport and was not linked to a recent measles case in Philadelphia.
“We believe there is no threat to the general public associated with this measles case,” said Dr. Landrus Burress, director of the Division of Disease Control. “We encourage people potentially exposed to take action if they are not protected against measles. Many countries, including travel destinations, are experiencing measles outbreaks, so the risk of travel-related measles cases and subsequent outbreaks in the United States has increased. We strongly encourage parents to follow the CDC immunization schedule and get their children fully vaccinated as soon as they can. People planning to travel outside the United States should discuss their travel plans and necessary vaccinations with their doctor.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread to others who are not protected against it through direct contact with respiratory droplets or through droplets in the air from coughing and sneezing.
The first symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, cough, and red, swollen eyes followed by a rash. For some people, measles can be a serious infection that can lead to pneumonia, brain infection, or even death.
The best protection against measles is to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is safe and very effective in preventing the virus, according to many health experts. The vaccine is recommended for patients aged 12 to 15 months, with a second dose given between 4 and 6 years of age. Infants under 12 months of age are not systematically eligible for the vaccine and are not protected. However, health experts recommend that infants aged 6 to 11 months receive a dose of the MMR vaccine to protect them before traveling abroad.
Families traveling outside the United States should also talk to their baby’s pediatrician at least two weeks before leaving.
The Philadelphia Department of Health shared the following recommendations for anyone potentially exposed to measles:
Find out if you are protected against measles. Generally, people considered immunized and protected are those born before 1957, or who have already had measles or who have received two doses of measles vaccine. Check your vaccination record or ask your doctor if you have already received two doses of the MMR vaccine.
If you are protected against measles, you don’t need to take any further action, health experts say.
If you are not protected against measles, you should get a dose of the MMR vaccine and talk to your healthcare professional about how you can get it.
People under 12 months of age, pregnant and not immunized or with weakened immune systems should consult their healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Measles is contagious four days before and four days after a rash begins. If you are not immune and may have been exposed, you could pass measles to someone at high risk before you develop a rash. Those who are not immunized and possibly exposed should wear a mask in indoor public spaces and around anyone who is not vaccinated for up to three weeks after exposure.
If you are not immunized, have been exposed, and develop symptoms through June 21, 2024 that resemble measles, contact your doctor immediately. Early symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, cough, and red, swollen eyes followed by a rash. You should also notify the Philadelphia Health Department at 215-685-6740 or the State Health Department at 877-724-3258.
Learn more about measles here.
News Source : www.nbcphiladelphia.com
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