Measles exposure alert hits Philadelphia airport and transit hubs

Health officials warn that a person with measles traveled through Philadelphia last week, potentially exposing travelers at Philadelphia International Airport (Terminal A East) 7:50–11:00 p.m., 30th Street Station 8:15–11:25 p.m., and Amtrak Northeast Regional Train #175 (Boston–DC) around 9:23 p.m.; exposures may have extended to Baltimore area airports and shuttles. Immune individuals don’t need to act. Non-immune exposed people should see a doctor about getting the MMR vaccine as soon as possible, and high-risk individuals should seek care if symptoms appear. Measles is spread by air and can be contagious for about four days before and after the rash, with early symptoms like runny nose, cough, and red eyes followed by a rash. Exposed non-immune individuals should wear masks in indoor public spaces for up to three weeks. Call 215-685-6740 for Philadelphia cases; 877-724-3258 for other PA residents. Vaccination guidance stresses protecting travelers and young children; immunity is typically from birth before 1957, prior infection, or two MMR doses.