Philadelphia International Airport Warns of Possible Measles Exposure, Health Officials Urge Caution
A possible measles exposure has been reported at Philadelphia International Airport, prompting health officials to warn travelers who visited the airport on Sunday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there have been 1,681 cases and three deaths from measles in the US since November last year.
According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, people who were in terminals A and B between 8:50 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday may have come into contact with an infected individual. The health department is urging those who visited the airport during this time frame to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.
While the exposure does not pose an immediate threat, the ongoing measles outbreak in the US has made health officials particularly concerned. "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," said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Health Commissioner.
If you believe you may have been exposed to measles at the airport, you can determine your protection status by checking if you were born before 1957 or have had two doses of the MMR vaccine. However, those who are not protected should take precautions such as quarantining at home for three weeks and wearing a mask when going out.
Health officials also warn that measles is highly contagious and can spread through droplets caused by sneezing and coughing, infecting 9 out of 10 people exposed. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, puffy red eyes, followed by a rash. The virus can be fatal to infants, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.
To minimize the risk of measles transmission, travelers should follow the CDC's immunization schedule and get vaccinated as soon as possible. Those planning to travel abroad should speak with their doctor about vaccinations needed for their destination.
A possible measles exposure has been reported at Philadelphia International Airport, prompting health officials to warn travelers who visited the airport on Sunday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there have been 1,681 cases and three deaths from measles in the US since November last year.
According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, people who were in terminals A and B between 8:50 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday may have come into contact with an infected individual. The health department is urging those who visited the airport during this time frame to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.
While the exposure does not pose an immediate threat, the ongoing measles outbreak in the US has made health officials particularly concerned. "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," said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Health Commissioner.
If you believe you may have been exposed to measles at the airport, you can determine your protection status by checking if you were born before 1957 or have had two doses of the MMR vaccine. However, those who are not protected should take precautions such as quarantining at home for three weeks and wearing a mask when going out.
Health officials also warn that measles is highly contagious and can spread through droplets caused by sneezing and coughing, infecting 9 out of 10 people exposed. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, puffy red eyes, followed by a rash. The virus can be fatal to infants, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.
To minimize the risk of measles transmission, travelers should follow the CDC's immunization schedule and get vaccinated as soon as possible. Those planning to travel abroad should speak with their doctor about vaccinations needed for their destination.
just got word that Philly airport had a possible measles outbreak 
I'm all for caution here, but isn't it kinda crazy how we still have cases after all these years? 
vaccination is key, fam, let's make sure everyone's good to go before flying off to anywhere 
and if you were at the airport on Sunday, just check your docs, y'know? 
As a parent, it's my worst nightmare to think of my little ones getting sick with something like measles... especially at the airport where everyone's in close proximity 
. They need to do more testing ASAP and make sure people are protected before they let everyone go back to their daily lives 
. I'm all for vaccination, we should be doing this from birth! 
And what's with the uncertainty around travel? Shouldn't airlines and airports have better protocols in place to prevent this? 
My kiddos would definitely be quarantined at home and getting extra rest if they even suspected of being sick 
. Let's get this under control ASAP! 
just had a measles scare at PHL airport on Sunday 
i was in terminal A from 10am-1pm, so yeah idk if im at risk or not... anyone else get a notification? 
need to double check my mrr vac status ASAP 
health officials are warning about measles being super contagious now 
anyway, guess im gonna quarantine for a bit just in case... 
so its like a big reminder that even though we're living in an era where vaccination rates are pretty high, there's still room for improvement... measles can be super sneaky and spread fast 
just thinkin bout all those people rushin around philly airport on sunday... 1,681 cases already? 
it's like the whole world is gettin exposed 2 this stuff! i feel 4 all those ppl who might be out there with measles rn 
they gotta take precautions & make sure they get vaccinated ASAP 
anyhoo, gotta keep spreadin positivity & hope 
If you were in terminals A & B on Sunday between 8:50am - 4pm, you might've been exposed 
It's so frustrating when we're stuck with outdated immunization schedules 
.
. Let's all stay safe out there! 
"The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams." Living in uncertain times like these, it's good that we're taking precautions. Measles might seem like a thing of the past but with cases popping up globally, it's better to be safe than sorry 
! I know it's been a while since the last major outbreak, but you can never be too careful, right? The CDC is being super responsible by warning people who were at Philly Airport on Sunday to check their vaccination status... it's not just about you, though - think about all those people in your family and friends who might get infected 
Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson is right that many countries are dealing with measles outbreaks, so it's time for us to take precautions. Quarantine, masks, the whole nine yards... let's just be safe and get vaccinated ASAP 
meanwhile, i'm gonna be over here practicing good hygiene and wearing a mask whenever i leave the house 
️ gotta make sure my MMR vaccine is up to date 
. Measles is just one of those things where you gotta stay vigilant 
.
. I'm all for taking precautions and checking our vaccination status, but can't they do more to contain this outbreak? 
. If you're planning to go abroad, talk to your doc about what vaccinations you need – don't wanna get stuck without 'em 
like what if they're already showing symptoms and don't even know it?!?! And the thought of that virus spreading so easily from one person to 9 others 
we need to get vaccinated ASAP people!