Philadelphia health officials are urging the public to ensure they are vaccinated against measles and comply with quarantine orders due to an ongoing outbreak of the highly contagious virus in the city and surrounding areas. As of Friday, at least eight people have been diagnosed with measles, and the number of confirmed cases has not changed since Monday.
The spread of measles to vulnerable individuals, including young children, is largely attributed to people declining vaccinations and failing to follow quarantine recommendations, according to Philadelphia Health Commissioner Cheryl Bettigole. The outbreak began in December when an infected patient was admitted to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The infant had recently been in a country where measles infections are still prevalent and developed the characteristic rash several days after being admitted with a fever.
During the patient’s hospital stay, three other non-immune patients were exposed and later tested positive for measles. The virus then spread at a daycare center, where a child with a confirmed case of measles was dropped off, disregarding quarantine orders. At least two other children at the daycare tested positive after visiting healthcare centers in the area, leading to further community exposure. Eventually, three more children at the daycare also tested positive, with two requiring hospitalization. All of the hospitalized patients have since been discharged.
To inform the public about potential exposure, city officials have released a list of locations where individuals may have come into contact with the virus on specific dates and times. It is estimated that about 90% of people who have close contact with an infected person will contract measles if they are not immune. In Philadelphia, approximately 93% of children are vaccinated against the virus. However, measles remains a threat to immunocompromised individuals and infants who are too young for vaccination.
Measles can lead to pneumonia, the most common cause of death in young children infected with the virus. Health officials are emphasizing the importance of recognizing the early symptoms of measles, which include fever, runny nose, cough, and puffy eyes, followed by a rash. Those who suspect they may be infected are advised to contact their healthcare provider before visiting a public office to avoid potential exposure to others.
The city has instructed individuals who have been exposed to quarantine themselves at home for 21 days following exposure. Health officials are urging all city residents to take responsibility in preventing further harm to infants by ensuring they are vaccinated against measles.
[Restate the key facts:]
– Philadelphia is experiencing an ongoing measles outbreak, with at least eight confirmed cases.
– The outbreak began in December, when an infected patient was admitted to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
– Three non-immune patients at the hospital were exposed and later tested positive for measles.
– The virus spread at a daycare center, infecting five children, two of whom required hospitalization.
– All of the hospitalized patients have been released.
– City officials have released a list of locations where people may have been exposed to the virus.
– About 90% of close contacts with an infected person will contract measles if they are not immune.
– Approximately 93% of children in Philadelphia are vaccinated against the virus.
– Measles remains dangerous for immunocompromised individuals and infants too young for vaccination.
– Measles can lead to pneumonia, the most common cause of death among young children infected with the virus.
– Exposed individuals are advised to quarantine for 21 days and contact a healthcare provider if they suspect infection.