World’s most contagious virus hits major US airport as officials warn of possible exposure

The City of Philadelphia is reporting two possible measles exposures within a week — the latest at Philadelphia International Airport.

The exposure took place at airport terminals B and F, as well as areas used to connect to other terminals in C, D and E, on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 7:45 p.m. to Monday, Sept. 14 at 12:05 a.m., according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

The individual with measles was traveling through Philadelphia and did not leave the airport. Health officials encouraged those who were potentially exposed to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms.

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This was the second reported measles exposure in the Philadelphia area, after the first case reported on Sept. 17 at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

The incident occurred on Sept. 11 at the following locations.

The Pennsylvania and Philadelphia health departments, as well as CHOP, reported that they are "working closely to ensure potentially exposed infants receive a preventative antibody product to prevent or lessen severe disease and to take steps to prevent the further spread of measles."

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In the second news release, Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson wrote that this week’s measles exposures are "a reminder of how important it is for all of us to be up to date on our vaccinations."

"Every Philadelphian who is fully vaccinated has little to fear from the situation at CHOP and the airport," she said. "Even more importantly, every one of those people is doing their part to help protect our most vulnerable from measles. With outbreaks continuing in Pennsylvania and other places, this is even more important."

The health department advised that anyone who has been exposed who is not immune, is unsure of their vaccination status, is an infant, is pregnant and not immune, or is immunocompromised should contact their doctor.

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"Some people may still be eligible for treatment after exposure that can prevent measles or reduce the severity of illness," the department wrote. "Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility and tell the provider about the possible measles exposure."

In August, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania confirmed two measles-related deaths, marking the first losses related to the virus within the state in 35 years.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed that both Lancaster County individuals were unvaccinated.

The MMR vaccine administered over two doses can boost a person’s immune system and provide 97% lifetime protection, according to health officials.

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Measles is a highly contagious virus that can be fatal in one to three patients per 1,000 cases, data shows.

The virus can cause long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling. Nearly 20% of individuals who contract measles are hospitalized.

Measles spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, spreading the virus through respiratory droplets. It can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person leaves the area, experts caution.

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Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, which can start seven to 21 days after exposure. A rash follows a few days later, starting on the head and spreading to the rest of the body.