The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has issued a public notice regarding a potential measles exposure that could have affected individuals present at two hospital emergency departments earlier this month. According to a statement by the department, Pennsylvania Hospital's Emergency Department located at 800 Spruce Street had potential exposure on April 6, from 3:55 p.m. until 11:20 p.m. The Holy Redeemer Hospital's Emergency Department at 1648 Huntingdon Pike faced a similar situation on April 8, between the hours of 6:05 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Officials have clarified that the individual responsible for the potential measles exposure was traveling abroad, making it unrelated to the measles outbreak presently affecting western states. Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, in a statement obtained by the department's website, emphasized, "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." They added that the collective immunity in Philadelphia might prevent further spread of the disease; however, Dr. Raval-Nelson also warned that with decreasing vaccination rates nationwide, the risk of measles could escalate for those unvaccinated.
Dr. Mayssa Abuali, Medical Director of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health's Immunization Program, has reiterated the importance of vaccination, stating, "The two-dose MMR vaccine series is 97 percent effective in preventing measles infections and confers lifelong protection." Abuali told the department's website that in spite of the vaccine's efficacy, many communities, both domestic and international, are under-vaccinated, thus facilitating the spread of measles. Abuali advises travelers to consult with healthcare providers for an early MMR vaccination for infants aged 6-11 months and a second dose for travelers at least two weeks before departure to measles-prone regions.
The health department is urging anyone unaware of their immune status and those who can receive vaccinations to get immunized promptly to safeguard community immunity in Philadelphia which, as noted, remains particularly high; vaccinations are a critical step to ensure public health safety and the well-being of vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated because of medical contraindications or other barriers.
