PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is warning of a possible measles exposure at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia last week.
Health officials said the potential exposure happened on Friday, Sept. 11, between 9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. in four different locations within the hospital's complex at 3401 Civic Center Blvd. in University City. The locations and corresponding times of exposure are as follows:
- CHOP NICU West: 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- CHOP NICU West Family Lounge: 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- CHOP Atrium: 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- CHOP Main Cafeteria: 12:05 to 2:45 p.m.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the city health department said they are working to ensure infants in the NICU receive a "preventative antibody product" to prevent or lessen severe disease, and to take steps to prevent the further spread of measles. Anyone who was potentially exposed is encouraged to check their vaccination status and check for symptoms.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or speak. People who aren’t protected against measles can get the virus up to two hours after someone else with measles left the same room or airspace. The early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash.
Measles is contagious four days before and four days after a rash starts.
In some people, it can be a very serious infection that leads to pneumonia, brain infection and death.
Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak has seen more than 792 cases so far this year, including 155 hospitalizations and four deaths.
Health officials said the best preventative measure for measles is the MMR vaccine, but it is not routinely given to infants under 12 months old.
“Here in a setting like the NICU, where you have children who are too young to be vaccinated, it really ups the risk that that exposure could turn into a case,” said Deputy City Health Commissioner James Garrow.
"We encourage people to get vaccinated not only to protect themselves, but to protect those who cannot get vaccinated. This is why it is imperative that everyone who is eligible gets up to date on the vaccines they need so we can protect our most vulnerable," Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson said in a statement. "We do not believe that these exposures constitute a broad risk to Philadelphians, since the vast majority of us are fully protected due to our being vaccinated. Given the ongoing outbreaks in Pennsylvania and other places, it is imperative that everyone who is not up to date on their MMR vaccine gets their vaccine as soon as possible. Remember, this is not just about protecting yourself; it’s about protecting our most vulnerable Philadelphians."
Anyone who isn't vaccinated and develops measles-like symptoms before Oct. 2 is recommended to tell their doctor and contact their local health department (Philadelphia: 215-685-6740) or the Pennsylvania Health Department (877-724-3258).
