Measles Exposure at CHOP
Philadelphia Health Officials Warn of Possible Measles Exposure at Children’s Hospital
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Key Points
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The potential exposure was linked to a visitor who tested positive for measles; officials had not said how many people were exposed or whether any additional cases had been confirmed.
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Officials advised potentially exposed people to watch for early symptoms including fever, runny nose, cough and red or watery eyes, followed by a rash.
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Health officials said measles can infect as many as nine out of 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed, underscoring the virus’s high contagiousness.
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Measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain infection and death, with young children particularly vulnerable; the alert came amid a broader measles outbreak in Pennsylvania.
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Health officials said two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine provide the best protection; measles vaccination is not routinely given to infants younger than 12 months, while adults can receive the vaccine when needed.
Philadelphia health officials are investigating a measles exposure at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) on September 11, when a visitor with confirmed measles was present in multiple hospital areas. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that potential exposure occurred in the NICU West unit, its family lounge, the hospital atrium from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and the main cafeteria from 12:05 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
People who were at CHOP that day and are not vaccinated should check their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination status and watch for symptoms through October 2, health officials said. WGAL reported that infants in the NICU are receiving preventive antibody treatment because newborns cannot routinely receive the measles vaccine.
Measles Can Spread for Hours After Exposure
Measles is extraordinarily contagious. Health officials said the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a space. NBC Philadelphia reported that measles can infect as many as nine out of ten unvaccinated people who are exposed to it.
Early symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough and red or watery eyes. A rash typically appears several days later. Anyone who was at CHOP during the exposure window should contact a medical provider immediately if these symptoms develop.
Pennsylvania Reports 36 New Cases Across Multiple Counties
The CHOP exposure comes as Pennsylvania battles a growing measles outbreak. WGAL reported 36 new cases across 38 counties, including 16 new cases in Lancaster County alone. The outbreak underscores the danger of declining vaccination rates in the region.
Officials emphasized that measles can cause serious complications including pneumonia, brain infection and death. Young children are particularly vulnerable to severe disease.
Two Vaccine Doses Offer Best Protection
The MMR vaccine provides strong protection against measles. Health officials said two doses offer the best defense, with the first dose given at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status should consult their doctor.
Infants younger than 12 months cannot routinely receive the measles vaccine, which is why CHOP and health agencies are arranging preventive antibody treatment for exposed newborns in the NICU. This treatment can prevent infection or reduce disease severity in unvaccinated or too-young-to-vaccinate infants.
Hospital Exposure Poses Limited Risk to Vaccinated Population
Philadelphia's population is largely vaccinated, which health officials said limits the broad public risk from this exposure. However, the incident highlights why keeping vaccination rates high remains critical. Officials urged eligible residents to get vaccinated if they have not already done so.
Anyone who was present at CHOP on September 11 and cannot confirm their MMR vaccination status should seek verification and monitoring. Health officials will continue tracking the situation through the symptom monitoring window ending October 2.
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