Philadelphia residents who visited Philadelphia International Airport and Amtrak's 30th Street Station earlier this month may have been exposed to measles, according to city health officials.
The exposure occurred on January 7, when a person with the highly contagious virus passed through the airport and train station. The individual then took an Amtrak train from Boston to Washington's Union Station before heading to BWI Airport in Maryland, where they rode shuttles to their destination.
Health officials warned that people who were in the following locations during this time may have been exposed to measles: Philadelphia International Airport, Terminal A East; 30th Street Station; Amtrak Northeast Regional Train No. 175 from Boston to Washington's Union Station; BWI Airport shuttle services between January 7 and January 8.
The risk of measles exposure is particularly high for certain groups, including infants under 12 months, pregnant women who are not immune, and people with weakened immune systems. According to health experts, vaccination rates in the US have been declining, putting more people at risk of contracting the virus.
"We encourage people who were possibly exposed to take action if they are not protected against measles," said Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson. "We strongly encourage parents to get their children fully vaccinated as soon as they are able."
In an effort to prevent the spread of measles, health officials recommend that people who are not immune wear masks in indoor spaces and around unvaccinated individuals until three weeks after exposure.
The recent surge in measles cases highlights the ongoing threat of this highly contagious virus. With vaccination rates falling across the US, experts warn that the American public is at risk of being exposed to deadly diseases like measles.
"This trend represents a dangerous precedent that could put the American public at grave risk," said James Colgrove, a professor at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. "The most vulnerable populations - infants, adults with compromised immune systems, and the elderly - will be disproportionately affected."
In response to the recent outbreak, the Philadelphia Department of Health is offering free MMR vaccines at several locations throughout the city.
The exposure occurred on January 7, when a person with the highly contagious virus passed through the airport and train station. The individual then took an Amtrak train from Boston to Washington's Union Station before heading to BWI Airport in Maryland, where they rode shuttles to their destination.
Health officials warned that people who were in the following locations during this time may have been exposed to measles: Philadelphia International Airport, Terminal A East; 30th Street Station; Amtrak Northeast Regional Train No. 175 from Boston to Washington's Union Station; BWI Airport shuttle services between January 7 and January 8.
The risk of measles exposure is particularly high for certain groups, including infants under 12 months, pregnant women who are not immune, and people with weakened immune systems. According to health experts, vaccination rates in the US have been declining, putting more people at risk of contracting the virus.
"We encourage people who were possibly exposed to take action if they are not protected against measles," said Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson. "We strongly encourage parents to get their children fully vaccinated as soon as they are able."
In an effort to prevent the spread of measles, health officials recommend that people who are not immune wear masks in indoor spaces and around unvaccinated individuals until three weeks after exposure.
The recent surge in measles cases highlights the ongoing threat of this highly contagious virus. With vaccination rates falling across the US, experts warn that the American public is at risk of being exposed to deadly diseases like measles.
"This trend represents a dangerous precedent that could put the American public at grave risk," said James Colgrove, a professor at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. "The most vulnerable populations - infants, adults with compromised immune systems, and the elderly - will be disproportionately affected."
In response to the recent outbreak, the Philadelphia Department of Health is offering free MMR vaccines at several locations throughout the city.
especially with vaccination rates dropping in the US. It's crazy how one person can spread the virus so quickly, I mean we're talking highly contagious here 
. And it's not just about individual protection, but also about protecting vulnerable groups like infants and people with weakened immune systems 
. We need to prioritize public health over convenience or misinformation 
. It's time for us to come together and take action against preventable diseases like measles 
. I had a school trip to DC last month and we passed through Philly airport... what if someone was infected? 
I know some people might not get vaccinated or their parents might not be able to afford it, but that's not fair to others who are protected 
. My friends have measles, they're stuck in quarantine for weeks 
... it's so frustrating when something like this happens near our school 
.
. like seriously how hard is it to wear a mask if u dont know ur immune status? its not that hard people 
anyway gotta give props 2 philly health dept for stepping up & offering free mrr vaccines tho 
this is so worrying 
measles has come back in full force what's next? 
we need to take action 
️ parents gotta make sure their kiddos get the MMR shot ASAP 
, which means more people are at risk of getting sick. I know some parents might not vaccinate their kids or aren't aware of the risks, but it's so important to get them vaccinated ASAP 
! Health officials should also do a better job of educating the public about measles and its symptoms 
. Vaccination rates are declining & it's scary 
. Can't let this outbreak spread like wildfire 
! The stats are concerning, but free MMR vaccines in Philly? 
That's a great resource for all those exposed people to get protected 
just heard about this measles thingy in Philly... been seeing so many people going on social media freaking out 
about it... i think we gotta calm down a bit 
vaccination rates are already super low, so let's not jump to conclusions 
we need to be more supportive of each other and get those vaccines 
, like what if our vaccination rates drop even lower? 
just thinking about this makes me wanna boost my measles vaccination lol, i mean what's the point of having a vaccine if not to protect ourselves and others right? 
I was just at PHL airport last week and I'm soooo worried now! 
And I'm totes wearing a mask in public if I see anyone not protected 
? I mean, come on folks, get vaccinated! It's not that hard. And what's up with people not protecting their kids? They're like, "Oh, I'll just wait till they're older" or "My kid is fine". Newsflash: no one's immune forever 
. And now we gotta deal with a whole city of people potentially exposed... great 
. Can't we all just get along and stay healthy? 
especially the little ones and their parents gotta make sure they get vaccinated ASAP 
we cant let our guard down, esp with all these cases popping up everywhere 
so yeah lets all just be extra careful out there 
. But seriously, if you were at Philly airport or train station on Jan 7th and didn't get vaccinated, you might've been exposed 
, you're more likely to contract the virus.
. I know it's annoying, but it's better safe than sorry, right?