A view of Philadelphia International Airport in 2012.

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

Travelers who passed through Terminals A and B at the Philadelphia International Airport may have been exposed to measles, the city’s Department of Public Health announced on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Officials said an infected individual was at the airport on Sunday, Nov. 9 between 8:50 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Health Department urged anyone who was there during that time to review their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.

Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson said there is no threat to the general public but advised those potentially exposed to “take action if they are not protected against measles.”

“Many countries, including travel destinations, are experiencing measles outbreaks,” she said in the release. “The potential for travel-related measles cases and subsequent outbreaks in the United States has increased. We strongly encourage parents to follow the CDC’s immunization schedule and get their children fully vaccinated.”

Measles Symptoms And Risks

CDC

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room. Early symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and red, puffy eyes, followed by a rash. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, brain infection, and death.

Who Is Protected

Health officials recommend that those born before 1957, those who have already had measles, or those who have received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are considered protected.

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Infants under 12 months are not routinely eligible for the vaccine but may receive a dose before international travel if they are between 6 and 11 months old.

Anyone unvaccinated or uncertain about their immunity should contact their healthcare provider to discuss receiving the MMR vaccine. Those who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or under 12 months should seek immediate medical guidance if they were at the airport during the exposure period.

What To Do If Exposed

The Department of Public Health also advised anyone exposed to wear a mask in indoor public spaces until three weeks after the exposure and to monitor for symptoms through Sunday, Nov. 30.

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Those who develop symptoms should call their doctor immediately and inform them of possible exposure before seeking care. Philadelphia residents can contact the city’s Health Department at 215-685-6740, or for other counties in Pennsylvania, call 877-724-3258.

More information about measles and updates on exposures can be found at phila.gov/measles.