The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is warning residents and visitors of two possible measles exposures this month.
According to releases from the department, a possible exposure was reported at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on Sept. 11.
Impacted areas include the NICU West and NICU West Family Lodge and the atrium from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. as well as the main cafeteria from 12:05 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Another possible exposure was reported at the Philadelphia International Airport Sunday, Sept. 13 into Monday, Sept. 14.
Officials said the individual was traveling through the city and did not leave the airport. They were in Terminals B, F, and connecting areas near Terminals C, D and E from 7:25 p.m. Sunday to 12:05 p.m. Monday.
The health department noted that the two possible exposures were not related.
“Every Philadelphian who is fully vaccinated has little to fear from the situation at CHOP and the airport. 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," said Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson in a release.
What are measles?
Measles is a highly contagious infection that can cause serious health complications in children and others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While measles was considered eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, cases have been increasing since 2025, including several outbreaks, the CDC said.
Measles symptoms
Measles symptoms often appear in stages following exposure, according to the CDC.
7-14 days after exposure:
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red or watery eyes
- High fever, possible spiking over 104 degrees
2-3 days after symptom onset:
- Koplik spots, or tiny white spots, appearing inside the mouth
3-5 days after symptom onset:
- Measles rash appears as flat red spots, usually beginning around the hairline and at the feet.
- Small, raised bumps appear atop the rash spots, spreading along the body.
- Fever could spike to over 104 degrees
Kaitlyn McCormick is a Philadelphia-based reporter writing all things trending, breaking and city-related for USA TODAY's Philadelphia Metro Connect Team.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Are measles in Philadelphia? PPHD warns of 2 possible exposures
