Is there a threat to the population?
On Wednesday, representatives of the Philadelphia Department of Health reported a possible contact with measles patients at two locations in the city. At the same time, specialists assure that there is no threat to the general public.
The case of illness is related to international travel and has no connection to recent measles cases detected in Montgomery County or in Texas.
"This case of measles does not pose a threat to the population," — emphasized the Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson.
Where and when could the contact have occurred?
According to officials, the infected person was present at the following places:
📍 South Philadelphia Health and Literacy Center
📅 Friday, March 7, 2025, 10:45 AM – 2:40 PM
📅 Saturday, March 8, 2025, 9:05 AM – 1:20 PM
📍 Address: 1700 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145
This building includes:
CHOP Pediatric Primary Care in South Philadelphia
Department of Health Center No. 2
South Philadelphia Library (no contact in the library)
📍 CHOP Emergency Department
📅 Monday, March 10, 2025, 7:55 AM – 10:15 AM
📍 Address: 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104
What is measles and why is it dangerous?
Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease that is transmitted:
- By airborne droplets through coughing or sneezing
- Through direct contact with infected droplets
Primary symptoms of measles:
- High fever
- Runny nose and cough
- Eye inflammation
- Characteristic red rash
The illness remains contagious for four days before and after the rash appears. Infants, immunocompromised individuals, and those who are unvaccinated are particularly vulnerable. In severe cases, measles can cause pneumonia, brain infections, and even death.
How to know if you are protected?
- If you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) – you are protected.
- The vaccine is 97% effective and provides lifetime immunity.
- People born before 1957 generally have natural immunity.
- If you have previously had measles, re-infection is unlikely.
"If you are protected, you do not need to do anything," — officials from the health department stated.
What should you do if you are not vaccinated?
- If you have not received the vaccine, contact a doctor to get the MMR vaccination.
- If you have been in contact with infected individuals, monitor for symptoms.
- If infected, stay at home for 21 days to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Philadelphia Department of Health provides additional information about places where you can get vaccinated.
Conclusion
Despite the identified case, experts state that the risk of measles spread is low. Nevertheless, this once again underscores the importance of vaccination as the only reliable protection against this dangerous virus.
