- Measles outbreak is ongoing
- At least eight people had been diagnosed with measles as of Friday
- The number of confirmed cases has remained stable since Monday.
- The spread started with an infected child not being quarantined
- A list of locations with high risks has been issued by city officials
- After being infected, a 21-day quarantine is recommended
The public is urged to get vaccinated to stop the measles outbreak
Philadelphia health officials are urging the public to vaccinate against measles and follow quarantine orders if exposed to the highly contagious virus.
A spokesperson for the city’s Department of Public Health told HuffPost that at least eight people had been diagnosed with measles as of Friday. The number of confirmed cases has remained stable since Monday.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing cases of measles that have spread to vulnerable individuals. Including young children, due to people declining vaccination and also failing to adhere to quarantine recommendations,” Philadelphia Health Commissioner Cheryl Bettigole said in a release last week.
“We are asking all city residents who may have been exposed to measles to do their part. To ensure that this infection harms no additional infants,” she said.
How one child caused the measles outbreak
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the outbreak began in December. With the admission of an infected baby to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. According to the paper, the infant recently visited a country where measles infections are still common and there is a fever. However, the telltale measles rash did not appear until days later.
During the child’s hospital stay, three other patients were not immune to measles. They were exposed and tested positive for the virus, meaning they had not been vaccinated or tested positive for the virus.
The virus then spread at daycare after a child with a confirmed case of the virus was dropped off on December 20 and 21, violating quarantine orders, the city said. At least two children from the daycare later tested positive. But only after visiting several healthcare facilities in the area, resulting in additional community exposure. Soon after, three more children at the daycare tested positive for measles. Two of the five children were hospitalized.
The city spokesperson informed the press that all hospitalized measles patients had since been released.
City officials taking measures to stop the spread
City officials have issued a list of locations where people could have been exposed to the virus on specific days and times.
If they are not immune, approximately 90% of those who come into close contact with an infected person will contract measles. About 93% of Philadelphia children have been vaccinated against the virus, but it remains dangerous for immunocompromised people and infants too young for the shot, according to the city.
One out of every 20 infected children will develop pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children.
“Sharing the same airspace with a person infected with measles (same classroom, home, waiting room, airplane, etc.), or being in these areas up to 2 hours after the infectious person has left the area is a measles exposure. Exposure criteria apply even if the infectious person is masked,” the city said.
The city has instructed exposed individuals to quarantine themselves at home for 21 days following exposure. Early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, cough, and puffy eyes, followed by a rash. Anyone who suspects they may be infected should contact their healthcare provider before physically going to a public office so that others aren’t potentially exposed.
