PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Jefferson Health have issued a public health alert following possible exposure to the measles virus at a prominent city building. The notice concerns anyone present at 33 South 9th Street, previously known as 833 Chestnut Street, on Tuesday, December 19th, 2023, between 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The building hosts practices affiliated with Jefferson Health and other offices.
Measles, a highly contagious virus, can spread rapidly through direct contact with respiratory droplets or airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing. Initial symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and puffy eyes, progressing to a rash. In severe cases, measles can cause pneumonia, brain infection, and even death.
Those who were not in the building during the specified time frame are not currently considered at risk of exposure. However, individuals who were present should follow the Health Department’s recommendations to determine if they are protected from the virus:
You are typically considered immune to measles if you were born before 1957, have previously had measles, or have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, usually administered as the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.
If you are unsure of your vaccination status, consult your healthcare provider or check your vaccination records. The MMR vaccine is usually given to patients aged 12-15 months, with a second dose administered at 4-6 years of age. Infants under 12 months are not eligible for the vaccine and are therefore unprotected.
If you are not immune to measles, the Health Department urges you to get a dose of the MMR vaccine. Speak with your healthcare provider about the vaccine, or visit the Health Department’s website for resources on where to get vaccinated.
Special consideration should be given to those under 12 months of age, pregnant individuals who are not immune, or those with a weakened immune system. These individuals should consult with their healthcare provider as soon as possible, as the management of measles exposure may differ in such cases.
Measles is contagious from four days before to four days after the onset of the rash. If you are not immune and may have been exposed to the virus, you could potentially spread measles to high-risk individuals even before developing a rash. To prevent this, the Health Department advises wearing a mask in indoor public spaces and around unvaccinated individuals until January 9th, 2024.
If you are not immune and develop symptoms suggestive of measles by Tuesday, January 9th, 2024, immediately contact your doctor and inform them of your potential exposure to the virus. You should also notify the Philadelphia Department of Public Health at 215-685-6740.
For additional information about measles, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) webpage on measles provides comprehensive resources.
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