Measles Outbreak Alert: Possible Exposure at Philadelphia International Airport
A potential measles outbreak has been identified at Philadelphia International Airport, prompting health officials to warn travelers who were in terminals A and B between 8:50 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday.
According to the city's Department of Public Health, people who visited these areas may have been exposed to a traveler carrying the virus. The CDC has reported over 1,600 measles cases and three deaths nationwide since 2000, with cases surging in recent months.
"We're seeing a significant increase in travel-related measles cases," said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Health Commissioner of Philadelphia. "We strongly encourage parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated as soon as possible and for travelers to discuss vaccination needs with their doctors before heading abroad."
To protect themselves, individuals born before 1957 or who have already had the measles virus are deemed protected. However, those not immune should quarantine at home for three weeks, wear a mask when leaving the house, and get vaccinated.
Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, cough, puffy red eyes, followed by a characteristic rash. The virus can spread through droplets from sneezing and coughing, infecting approximately 9 out of 10 people exposed. Measles can be fatal to infants, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.
In response to the outbreak, health officials are urging travelers to take precautions and follow proper vaccination schedules.
A potential measles outbreak has been identified at Philadelphia International Airport, prompting health officials to warn travelers who were in terminals A and B between 8:50 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday.
According to the city's Department of Public Health, people who visited these areas may have been exposed to a traveler carrying the virus. The CDC has reported over 1,600 measles cases and three deaths nationwide since 2000, with cases surging in recent months.
"We're seeing a significant increase in travel-related measles cases," said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Health Commissioner of Philadelphia. "We strongly encourage parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated as soon as possible and for travelers to discuss vaccination needs with their doctors before heading abroad."
To protect themselves, individuals born before 1957 or who have already had the measles virus are deemed protected. However, those not immune should quarantine at home for three weeks, wear a mask when leaving the house, and get vaccinated.
Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, cough, puffy red eyes, followed by a characteristic rash. The virus can spread through droplets from sneezing and coughing, infecting approximately 9 out of 10 people exposed. Measles can be fatal to infants, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.
In response to the outbreak, health officials are urging travelers to take precautions and follow proper vaccination schedules.
how does one even get measles nowadays? like i know it's still a thing but i thought we were in the 21st century lol. i feel bad for all those people who got infected, especially kids & pregnant women 
shouldn't they have gotten vaccinated before traveling to avoid outbreaks? also what about ppl with weakened immune systems? 
gotta do better on this whole vaccination thing 
I mean, what's up with people not getting vaccinated anymore? It's like they forgot that measles is still a thing that can actually kill you 
. And now we have to deal with outbreaks at airports? Great, just what we need. More germs to spread around the country... 
. Anyway, I guess it's good that health officials are warning people and encouraging them to get vaccinated. Maybe if more people did that, we wouldn't be having measles outbreaks all the time 
ppl need 2 b vaccinated lol 
dont wanna see anyone gettin sick cuz of some dumb traveler not payin attention to their own health 
and ppl need 2 take responsibility 4 their own health too 
but idk whats the deal w/ americans not gettin' vaccinated enuf?? 
seems like they just dont no bout measles 
my friend went 2 philly airport last yr and she said its super clean n stuff 
anyway quarantine for 3 weeks? that sounds soooo boring 
i hope those who rnt immune get vacs ASAP tho 
gotta stay safe 
just saw this news about the measles outbreak at Philly airport 
and travelers should def be talking to their docs about getting vaccinated before heading out 
. It's like, what are we doing wrong? Are we not prioritizing our health enough? 
.
. My sister's friend was just at the airport a few days ago... *sigh* guess she needs to get vaccinated ASAP