Health officials have warned that people who were at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) on July 4 may have been exposed to measles. The warning comes after a person with a confirmed case of measles traveled through the airport, potentially exposing others to the highly contagious virus. Anyone who was at PHL on that date should watch for symptoms and review their vaccination history, according to the report from Audacy.

Key takeaways

  • Measles exposure may have occurred at Philadelphia International Airport on July 4.
  • Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash.
  • Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing, sneezing, or being in the same room as an infected person.
  • The MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles. Unvaccinated individuals are at highest risk.
  • Anyone who was at PHL on July 4 should monitor for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if they develop signs of illness.

What happened at Philadelphia International Airport

According to the health advisory, a person infected with measles traveled through Philadelphia International Airport on July 4. The specific locations and times within the airport where exposure may have occurred have not been publicly detailed, but officials advise that anyone present at PHL that day could have been exposed. Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases, and the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

Signs and symptoms of measles

Measles symptoms usually develop about one to two weeks after exposure. Early signs include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, a red rash typically appears, starting on the face and spreading downward. Small white spots inside the mouth, known as Koplik spots, may also appear before the rash. Anyone who develops these symptoms after being at PHL on July 4 should isolate and call a doctor before visiting a clinic or emergency room to avoid exposing others.

Who is most at risk

People who have not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are at highest risk. Infants too young to be vaccinated, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are also more vulnerable. The MMR vaccine is given in two doses, with the first dose recommended at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years. Two doses are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles. Health officials urge anyone unsure of their vaccination status to check with their healthcare provider.

What to do if you were at PHL on July 4

If you were at Philadelphia International Airport on July 4, health officials recommend the following steps. First, confirm that you are up to date on the MMR vaccine. If you are not vaccinated, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated as soon as possible. Second, monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. If you develop a fever, cough, or rash, isolate immediately and call your healthcare provider for guidance. Do not go to a hospital or clinic without calling first, as this can prevent further spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after exposure do measles symptoms appear?

Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days. The infected person is contagious from about four days before the rash appears to four days after the rash starts.

Can measles be treated?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Care focuses on relieving symptoms, such as fever and dehydration. Severe cases may require hospitalization, especially in young children or people with weakened immune systems.

Is the MMR vaccine safe?

Yes, the MMR vaccine is safe and effective. Serious side effects are rare. Common mild side effects include fever, soreness at the injection site, or a temporary rash. The vaccine does not cause autism, a claim that has been thoroughly debunked by numerous studies.

This is an original report by Vital Signs Today, informed by reporting from Google News. Read the original source.

This article is for information only and is not medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer.