A concerning measles outbreak is unfolding in Philadelphia as health officials have announced numerous new exposures across the city. As of January 4th, 2024, at least 5 locations have reported possible measles exposures, prompting urgent warnings for unvaccinated residents.
New Exposure Sites Announced
On January 4th, Philadelphia health officials announced that measles exposures occurred at the following locations:
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Specialty Care Center on December 26th
- Philadelphia International Airport on December 27th
- Jefferson Station PATCO on December 28th
- Wegmans in Collegeville on January 3rd
- Freedom Valley YMCA in West Norriton on January 3rd
These new exposure sites come just days after exposures were announced at other locations in Philadelphia in late December, indicating the outbreak is actively spreading.
According to Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole, “The health department strongly encourages getting vaccinated especially if traveling or working in places were measles would spread more easily like airports, train stations and hospitals.”
| Site | Date |
|---|---|
| Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia | December 26 |
| Philadelphia Intl Airport | December 27 |
| Jefferson Station | December 28 |
| Wegmans Collegeville | January 3 |
| Freedom Valley YMCA | January 3 |
Measles Cases Rising Among Unvaccinated
So far there have been no confirmed measles cases in this outbreak. However, health officials say most of the exposure sites involved people with measles who were likely unvaccinated.
“Many Philadelphians remain vulnerable as 1 in 5 are not protected with the safe, effective MMR vaccine,” said Health Department Acute Communicable Disease Program Manager Dana Perella.
According to figures from the Philadelphia Health Department, about 92% of Philadelphia children have received the MMR vaccine. However, rates are lower in some ZIP codes with less than 80% vaccination coverage.
Health experts say a vaccination rate of 95% is required to achieve herd immunity against measles. So while overall rates look sufficient, the uneven distribution of vaccinations makes outbreaks possible.
Urging Vaccination As Measles Proves Highly Contagious
With the outbreak actively spreading across various locations in the region, health officials are stressing that vaccination is the best way to contain the outbreak.
Measles is an extremely contagious virus that can remain airborne for up to two hours. According to the CDC, up to 90 percent of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will contract the disease.
Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after infection and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and the telltale red blotchy rash. Complications can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, deafness, and even death.
“Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97 percent effective in preventing measles,” said acting state Health Secretary and physician Denise Johnson. “Vaccines remain the most efficient and cost-effective way to prevent the spread of disease and have saved countless lives.”
So far, no measles-related hospitalizations or deaths have been reported in this outbreak. But health officials are acting swiftly to contain spread before severe cases emerge, especially among vulnerable groups like infants and immunocompromised individuals.
What To Do If You Were Exposed
For individuals who believe they may have been exposed at any of the Philadelphia locations, health officials recommend:
- Contact your doctor immediately to get vaccinated if you or your children are unvaccinated
- Monitor for symptoms like fever and rash until 21 days after exposure
- Stay home and avoid public settings if symptoms develop to avoid spreading
“The MMR vaccine is very effective when given within 72 hours of exposure, and may provide protection against disease,” said Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole.
While containing this outbreak remains the priority, health authorities recognize that larger action is needed to drive up vaccination rates across the state.
State Lawmakers Propose Tighter Vaccination Rules
In response to the worsening measles situation, Pennsylvania state senators have introduced new legislation aimed at closing vaccination gaps.
The proposed bill would make it harder for parents to claim non-medical exemptions from school vaccination requirements. Rules would also tighten enforcement of existing requirements.
“It’s clear we need to get serious about vaccination rates if we want to prevent outbreaks,” said Democratic Senator Katie Muth, lead sponsor of the new bill.
If passed, the legislation would likely lead to a decrease in religious and philosophical exemptions. But critics argue it infringes on personal liberties and parental rights.
Similar tightening of vaccine exemption policies in other states has led to higher vaccination rates and fewer outbreaks. Still, opposition from certain groups remains high.
For now, containing the expanding Philadelphia measles outbreak through rapid tracing and surveillance remains the top priority. But long-term, higher vaccination rates will be key to preventing future epidemics.
Health officials urge all state residents to check their immunization status and get vaccinated if uncertain. For the latest exposure sites and health guidance, visit the Philadelphia Health Department website.
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