Health Officials Warn of Potential Measles Exposure at Philadelphia International Airport
A possible measles exposure was reported at Philadelphia International Airport on Sunday, prompting health officials to warn travelers about the potential risk. People who visited terminals A and B between 8:50 a.m. and 4 p.m. may have been exposed to an infected individual.
According to health experts, individuals born before 1957, those who have already had measles, or those with two doses of the MMR vaccine are not at risk. However, others should take precautions to avoid transmission. Anyone who is not protected against measles is advised to quarantine themselves for three weeks, wear a mask in public, and receive the MMR vaccine.
The warning comes as the US has recorded its highest number of measles cases and deaths since 2000. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there have been 1,681 cases and three deaths through November 4.
Measles can spread quickly through respiratory droplets generated by coughing or sneezing, infecting approximately nine out of ten people exposed to the virus. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and a characteristic rash, which appears four days after exposure.
While the risk of transmission is relatively low for the general public, health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination. Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Health Commissioner, stressed that travel-related measles cases pose a significant threat to vulnerable populations, such as young children, infants, and individuals with weakened immune systems. She urged parents to follow the CDC's immunization schedule and advised travelers to consult their doctor about necessary vaccinations.
For those who may have been exposed, monitoring for symptoms is crucial. Exposed individuals should check their vaccination status and contact their healthcare provider immediately if symptoms develop.
A possible measles exposure was reported at Philadelphia International Airport on Sunday, prompting health officials to warn travelers about the potential risk. People who visited terminals A and B between 8:50 a.m. and 4 p.m. may have been exposed to an infected individual.
According to health experts, individuals born before 1957, those who have already had measles, or those with two doses of the MMR vaccine are not at risk. However, others should take precautions to avoid transmission. Anyone who is not protected against measles is advised to quarantine themselves for three weeks, wear a mask in public, and receive the MMR vaccine.
The warning comes as the US has recorded its highest number of measles cases and deaths since 2000. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there have been 1,681 cases and three deaths through November 4.
Measles can spread quickly through respiratory droplets generated by coughing or sneezing, infecting approximately nine out of ten people exposed to the virus. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and a characteristic rash, which appears four days after exposure.
While the risk of transmission is relatively low for the general public, health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination. Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Health Commissioner, stressed that travel-related measles cases pose a significant threat to vulnerable populations, such as young children, infants, and individuals with weakened immune systems. She urged parents to follow the CDC's immunization schedule and advised travelers to consult their doctor about necessary vaccinations.
For those who may have been exposed, monitoring for symptoms is crucial. Exposed individuals should check their vaccination status and contact their healthcare provider immediately if symptoms develop.
Measles exposure at Philly airport?!? Like, let's all just get vaccinated pls 
! 
I'm low-key freaking out thinking about those 9/10 people who could get infected... 
But seriously, health officials are right on it, and we gotta take precautions too! 
Wear your masks, wash those hands, and stay safe everyone! 
A few hours isn't exactly a long enough time frame to risk someone's entire life over a possible exposure.
. I'm not saying vaccines don't work, but what's going on with the overall vaccination rates? Is it really that low that people are now catching measles like it's nobody's business?
It seems like a pretty uneven playing field if you ask me...
, can't believe the US is dealing with its highest number of cases since 2000. I get it, some people might be skeptical about vaccines, but c'mon, it's like they're saying 'oh, I'll just take my chances' 
, don't you think that's kinda reckless? 
the CDC is right, vaccination is key, especially for vulnerable populations like young kids and people with weakened immune systems 
. anyway, if you're a travelbug like me, make sure to get those shots before heading out 
, don't wanna be that person who's stuck at home while everyone else is living their best lives 
... don't get me wrong, i know vaccination is key and all, but what if you're allergic to the vaccine or can't take it for whatever reason? anywayz, thinkin' of talkin to my doc about gettin a boost before i travel 
. As a traveler myself, it's always on my mind to stay up-to-date on vaccinations, especially before traveling abroad or visiting areas with low vaccination rates 
. I do think it's crucial for parents to follow the CDC's immunization schedule, especially if they have kids under 5 years old 
. What really worries me is that it can spread quickly through respiratory droplets, so we need to be super vigilant about taking precautions 
... wearing masks in public, checking our vaccination status, and monitoring for symptoms 
. Let's all look out for each other! 
just another excuse to boost vaxx rates lol 
anyone think the real reason they're hyping up measles is cuz people wanna get out of taking a selfie with the CDC? 
, another outbreak in the US. Can't believe we're still dealing with this thing. Measles cases are way up and I'm all like "seriously, can't we just vaccinate everyone already?"? 
️ OMG, this is so scary! I'm literally shuddering just thinking about all these people potentially getting measles at the airport 
. Let's all do this, people! #MeaslesPrevention #VaccinateYourWayToGoodHealth #TravelSafe 
... Can't we just stick to the one that's worked this long? I mean, what's next? Vaccines for everything? 
. I'm all for protecting ourselves, but let's not get too carried away here... 
I'm so over people not taking basic precautions to protect themselves and others from germs. It's just common sense, right?
. They're only warning people about measles now because it's a great excuse to push more vaccines 
. Think about it, every major health issue gets a vaccine associated with it. It's like they're creating a vaccine-for-everything 
I'm not saying they're corrupt or anything (although it's definitely suspicious), but come on, have you ever stopped to think about how vaccines are made and tested? It's all a big mystery 
. And now they want us to quarantine ourselves for three weeks just in case? That's some serious government control 
. Mark my words, this is just the beginning of a vaccine-pushing agenda 
.
. We need to take responsibility for our own health and the health of those around us 
. It's time to rethink our attitudes towards vaccination and actually do something about it 
.
. and omg, can u even imagine what it's like to have measles as a kid? 
. we need to get our act together and take care of each other 
! 
And have you seen those numbers? 1,681 cases? That's a lot of people getting measles! 
... Coincidence? I don't think so 
!