Measles alert in Philadelphia: potential exposure identified

Public health officials in Philadelphia and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania are urging residents to be vigilant after potential measles exposures were identified at several locations. This comes as an Ontario child dies of measles, heightening concerns about the disease’s spread.

The alert is issued following the confirmation of a case of measles among the people of the region. Individuals who visited the following locations during specific times may have been exposed:

CVS Pharmacy at 10901 Bustleton Avenue in Philadelphia: May 15, between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM
Holy Redeemer Hospital Emergency Department: May 16, from 11:30 AM to May 17, 12:30 AM
Holy Redeemer Hospital Medical-Surgical Unit: May 16, from 10:30 PM to May 17, 12:30 AM

Dr. Sarah Jones, the Acting Health Commissioner for the City of Philadelphia said that measles is a highly infectious diseases, which could even prove to be mortal “We are appealing to anyone, if they have not be in contact with it, to seek vaccination and be more conscious of signs and symptoms of the disease.

Symptoms of measles typically appear 7-14 days after exposure and include:

High fever (over 101°F)
Cough
Runny nose
Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
A red, raised rash that usually starts on the face and spreads down the body

Importance of Vaccination

Vaccination is largely recommended by health organisations as the main way of eliminating the measles virus. Specifically, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is efficient; after acquiring two doses, individuals are almost immune to measles.

“If you are not certain if you have been vaccinated or if you have failed to take the MMR vaccine, then consult your doctor immediately,” advised Dr. Richard Lee, the Medical Director at the Montgomery County Office of Public Health. Vaccination is not selfish but a way of helping those around you who may be at risk of experiencing severe adverse effects of measles.

Recommendations for the Public

The MMR vaccine is very effective and therefore people who were vaccinated cannot be affected.
Those who do not know whether they received MMR vaccine or not, or are planning to get pregnant, should consult their doctor for a proper vaccination.
Those who may have been exposed and are getting sick should seek medical attention promptly and state the possibility of exposure to measles.

These guidelines and precautions shall hopefully aid health officials minimize the potential risk of measles spreading and safeguard the well-being of the general public.

For more information on Measles and the MMR vaccine, you can visit these resources: