PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia's acting health commissioner announced a local case of measles Friday.
The city and state health departments, as well as the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, are notifying people who may have been exposed.
Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole said that there isn't a threat that the general public could contract it.
"But the threat of measles exposure in the United States has been growing over the last decade. We strongly encourage parents to follow the CDC's immunization schedule and get their children fully vaccinated as soon as they are able," she said.
Officials said anyone who's been vaccinated against measles has a minimal risk. "The MMR vaccine is another safe and effective vaccine to prevent severe illness," said Dr. Denise Johnson, acting physician of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
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Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing and other contact with the body fluids of an infected person. Symptoms can include fever, rash, coughing, and watery eyes.
City and state health officials said anyone with concerns about exposure or their health should contact their health care provider or call the state's toll free hotline, 1-877-PA-HEALTH.