Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health is on alert after reports of a possible measles exposure at two hospital ERs in the city and Montgomery County, marking another case this year in a person with recent international travel history. As per a statement from Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Philadelphia’s Health Commissioner, these cases have raised concern though the commissioner has said, “we believe there is no threat to the general public because of this case.” Warning the public, the health department listed two exposure points: Pennsylvania Hospital Emergency Department last Sunday from 3:55 p.m. to 11:20 p.m., and Holy Redeemer Hospital Emergency Department on last Tuesday from 6:05 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., as per 6abc.
With measles being a highly contagious virus spread through respiratory droplets it is a concern, symptoms can show up as fever, runny nose, cough, and puffy eyes before worsening to a red skin rash as noted by the health officials. Emphasizing the critical importance of vaccination, health authorities remarked that the two-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has a 97% effectiveness rate in preventing measles as. confirmed by the Philadelphia Tribune. The city boasts high immunization rates, with around 97.5% of seventh graders and 97.1% of 12th graders vaccinated in the 2023-2024 academic year, potentially mitigating the spread of this outbreak.
Those who may have been exposed are urged to be on the lookout for symptoms, which typically arise within 10 to 14 days of exposure, and to consult their healthcare providers if symptoms develop, highlighting the importance of this because it might lead to further containment of the virus as the infectious period for measles spans four days before and after the rash. Additionally, in a bid to protect the broader community, especially those who cannot be vaccinated, the health department is compelling residents to get vaccinated—especially before international travel or visiting areas with ongoing outbreaks in the U.S., as stated by a CBS News report…