Health department warns of possible measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport

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Health officials are warning recent travelers of a possible measles exposure at the Philadelphia International Airport earlier this week.

The warning is specific to people who used Terminals A and B between 8:50 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9, according to a release from the city’s Department of Public Health. Travelers are asked to verify their immunization records and be aware of possible symptoms.

In the statement, Health Commissioner Palak Raval-Nelson said the warning is precautionary and the department believes that there is no threat to the general public.

“We encourage people who were possibly exposed to take action if they are not protected against measles,” Raval-Nelson said. “Many countries, including travel destinations, are experiencing measles outbreaks, so the potential for travel-related measles cases and subsequent outbreaks in the United States has increased.”

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. Early symptoms include fever, runny nose, coughing, puffy eyes and rash. If left untreated, it can lead to a serious infection causing pneumonia, brain infection and death in extreme cases.

The health department said people are considered immune to measles if they meet at least one of the following criteria: were born before 1957, have already had the measles or have received two doses of the MMR vaccine. The health department recommends people get the vaccine to reduce any serious issues associated with the disease, especially if they’re unvaccinated, and refer to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We strongly encourage parents to follow the CDC’s immunization schedule and get their children fully vaccinated as soon as they are able,” Raval-Nelson said. “People planning to travel outside the United States should speak with their doctor about their travel plans and vaccinations needed.”

Free vacations are available at the following Philadelphia City Health Centers on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

• Health Center 3 – 555 S. 43rd St. | 215-685-7504
• Health Center 4 – 4400 Haverford Ave. | 215-685-7601
• Health Center 5 Annex – 2001 W. Berks St. | 215-685-2933
• Mattie L. Humphrey Health Center (Health Center 9) – 131 E. Chelten Ave. | 215-685-5701
• Strawberry Mansion Health Center – 2840 W. Dauphin St. | 215-685-2401

Measles cases have been climbing in the United States this year, even reaching the highest annual number in more than three decades. As of Nov. 4, 1,681 confirmed measles cases and 44 outbreaks had been reported in the United States, according to the CDC.

In April, the health department warned the public about another measles outbreak at two hospitals in the Philadelphia area.

Canada is no longer considered measles-free due to ongoing outbreaks, and the United States could be next to lose its status, according to the Associated Press. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.