Heads up for those who passed through the Philadelphia International Airport last Friday. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has issued a warning about a potential measles exposure in Terminal A West's Federal Inspection Area. Specifically, if you were in that area on May 31, from 2:50 pm to 6:00 pm, you may want to check your vaccination records, as reported by the City of Philadelphia.
In a turn of events unrelated to a prior case in Philly, the highly contagious measles virus might have been hitching a ride with a traveler passing through. The Health Department emphasized there's no looming threat to the public but recommends that those who may have been exposed and aren't vaccinated, take caution. "We encourage people who were possibly exposed to take action if they are not protected against measles," said Dr. Landrus Burress, as per the City of Philadelphia, Director, Division of Disease Control.
Measles symptoms—which include fever, runny nose, cough, and red, ramping up to a rash—are not to be taken lightly. It's a pathogen that can escalate into pneumonia or even a brain infection, which, for some, may lead to a dead end. Dr. Burress told travelers, especially those heading beyond the U.S. borders, to consult their healthcare provider about getting an MMR vaccine, which provides solid protection. Infants under a year, presumably the most vulnerable, should gear up with a vaccine dose if international travel is on the agenda.
If you think you might have been an unwitting participant in this viral relay, keep an eye out for tell-tale signs, such as fever or a rash, and make sure to inform your healthcare provider. According to the City of Philadelphia, measles, after all, doesn't pick and choose; it's an equal opportunity inconvenience. So let's keep everyone safe out there by staying informed and taking the necessary precautions as detailed by the Philadelphia Health Department. For more guidance or to report symptoms, Philadelphia residents can ring 215-685-6740 or, for those elsewhere in Pennsylvania, the state health department hotline at 877-724-3258.
