The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has warned about possible measles exposure at two local hospital emergency rooms. The first was at Pennsylvania Hospital last Sunday, between 3:55 p.m. and 11:20 p.m. The second was at Holy Redeemer Hospital on Tuesday, from 6:05 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. The person had gotten measles while traveling overseas, and health officials say this case is not linked to the outbreak in the western U.S, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
In a statement obtained by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health's website, Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, the Commissioner, expressed, "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." A concern emphasized by Dr. Raval-Nelson and other health professionals is the declining vaccination rates nationally, which may increase the risk for those who cannot be vaccinated.
Dr. Mayssa Abuali, Medical Director for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Immunization Program, also weighed in. "The two-dose MMR vaccine series is 97 percent effective in preventing measles infections and confers lifelong protection," Dr. Abuali emphasized. She also pointed out that in areas both inside and outside the U.S. where vaccination rates are suboptimal, there is an increased risk of measles spread. For those planning to travel, especially to regions experiencing measles outbreaks, the health department recommends discussing additional vaccination measures with healthcare providers.
Measles, known for its high contagiousness, can lead to severe complications in some individuals, such as infants and people with weakened immune systems, resulting in conditions like pneumonia or even brain infection. It is spread through direct contact or through the air from an infected person's respiratory droplets. Dr. Abuali described the contagious period as, "4 days before to 4 days after the rash starts." For those exposed to measles and not immune, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health advises a 21-day quarantine period. If these individuals must leave their home during this time, they should wear a mask to help reduce the risk of transmission.
Public health efforts continue to urge vaccinations, a critical step in maintaining community immunity against measles. For further information on measles exposure, symptoms, and prevention, individuals are directed to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health's official notification.
