Philadelphia Health Department Confirms Sixth Case of Measles in City
Philadelphia, PA – The health department in Philadelphia has recently confirmed the sixth case of measles in the city since mid-December. This outbreak now consists of a total of six confirmed cases and three suspected cases, raising concerns among local officials.
Two of the confirmed cases are children who were exposed at a daycare center in Northeast Philadelphia. The infections occurred after a city resident diagnosed with measles violated quarantine rules. The outbreak initially began when an infant was hospitalized at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
The person responsible for breaking quarantine rules exposed individuals in multiple locations, including a Center City building and the daycare center. The two cases confirmed on Friday were the first known instances of measles spreading outside of the hospital, further highlighting the highly infectious nature of the virus.
Measles is a extremely contagious and poses a substantial risk, particularly for young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. The symptoms of measles include a high fever, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that starts on the face and extends to the body.
To prevent the spread of measles, health officials stress the importance of getting vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella and is recommended for children between the ages of 12-15 months. Unvaccinated individuals who have been exposed to measles are advised to isolate themselves for 21 days.
Measles can be a life-threatening illness, with potential complications including respiratory failure, inflammation of the brain, and death. In response to the growing outbreak, the health department is reaching out to individuals who may have been exposed to measles at various locations, such as a Jefferson Health building, the daycare center, and multiple hospitals.
Individuals who have not been vaccinated and may have been exposed to measles are urged to contact their healthcare provider immediately. Time is of the essence in preventing further spread of this highly contagious disease, and prompt action can make all the difference in protecting the community.