Health officials in Philadelphia have warned of a possible measles exposure at two locations, but downplayed the risk to the general public. The CHOP Emergency Department and the South Philadelphia Health and Literacy Center were identified as potential hotspots for exposure.
The case was contracted while traveling abroad and is not connected to recent cases in Montgomery County or Texas. According to Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Health Commissioner, “there is no threat to the general public associated with this case of measles.”
To minimize risk, health officials recommend that unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles take precautions. They should contact a healthcare provider about getting vaccinated and stay home for 21 days if symptoms appear.
Measles is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact with respiratory droplets or airborne transmission. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and rash, which can last four days before the virus is no longer contagious.
The two-dose Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine provides 97% effective protection against measles. Anyone born before 1957 or who has had measles is also immune to the virus.
For unvaccinated individuals, staying home for 21 days and getting vaccinated are the best ways to prevent infection.
Source: https://www.fox29.com/news/possible-measles-exposure-reported-2-philadelphia-locations-what-you-need-know