Health officials have issued a warning regarding a recent measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport, highlighting it as the second instance in just a short period within the state’s largest city.
According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, an individual infected with measles was present at the airport from Sept. 13 at 7:25 p.m. until 12:05 a.m. on Sept. 14.
The affected person moved through terminals B and F and was also in areas connected to terminals C, D, and E.
The health officials clarified, “The individual with measles was traveling through Philadelphia and did not leave the airport,” in a recent statement.
This alert comes shortly after another measles incident at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
On Sept. 11, various sections of the hospital, including parts of the NICU, were reported to have been exposed to the virus, as stated by the health department last week.
Travelers who were at the airport during the exposure and aren’t immune to measles, are unsure about their vaccination status, are infants, pregnant without immunity, or immunocompromised, are urged to reach out to a healthcare provider “as soon as possible.”
Anyone who was in the airport around the specified times should verify their immunity to measles.
The health department encourages individuals who might have been exposed to check their vaccination records and stay alert for any symptoms.
As of Sunday, Pennsylvania has recorded 792 measles cases, which includes 155 hospitalizations and four fatalities, according to state statistics.
This year, the US has seen a total of 3,471 measles cases, with CDC data indicating only 92.4% of kindergartners received the MMR vaccine for the 2025-2026 school year, a decline from 95.2% during the 2019-2020 school year.
The measles virus, known for its high contagion rate, can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks, and can remain infectious for up to two hours after leaving a space.
Initial symptoms often include fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes, followed eventually by a rash. In severe cases, the infection can escalate to pneumonia, brain infection, or even result in death.
To combat measles, the CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first between 12 to 15 months of age, and the second between 4 and 6 years old.
“This week’s measles exposures remind us all of the importance of staying current with vaccinations,” stated Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson.
She further added, “Every Philadelphian who is fully vaccinated has little to fear from the situation at CHOP and the airport. They play a vital role in protecting our most vulnerable populations from this virus.”
“Given that outbreaks are still occurring in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, this is increasingly crucial. I encourage everyone to visit phila.gov/measles to find out more about measles, the MMR vaccine, and how to safeguard themselves, their families, and their communities.”
