Philadelphia International Airport and 30th Street Station were hotspots for potential measles exposure last week, according to city health officials.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health confirmed that a person with measles traveled through those locations on Wednesday, January 7, before boarding an Amtrak train towards Washington's Union Station. The individual then departed the train at 30th Street Station and took shuttles to BWI Marshall Airport in Maryland, where they visited drop-off locations.
Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. While two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine provide 97% protection, declining vaccination rates have left many vulnerable to contracting the virus.
People who visited the following locations on January 7-8 may be at risk of exposure: Philadelphia International Airport (Terminal A East from 7:50pm to 11pm), 30th Street Station (from 8:15pm to 11:25pm), Amtrak Northeast Regional Train No. 175 (from Philadelphia's 30th Street Station to Washington's Union Station between 9pm and 11:30pm), Amtrak BWI shuttle to and from BWI train station, and BWI Airport parking shuttle.
However, health officials stress that there were no exposures identified inside the terminals of BWI Airport. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) remind individuals who are not protected against measles to contact their healthcare provider about receiving an MMR vaccine as soon as possible, especially if they have weakened immune systems or are pregnant.
If you're considering traveling abroad with unvaccinated children, it's essential to speak with your doctor about necessary vaccinations. "We encourage people who were possibly exposed to take action if they are not protected against measles," said Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson. "Measles can be deadly, especially for certain groups like infants under 12 months and adults over 20."
The trend of declining vaccination rates poses a significant risk to public health, warns James Colgrove, a professor at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. "The most dangerous deadly diseases will come back, and it won't only be kids who suffer. It'll be adults in the community who are immune-compromised, who are elderly. It'll be infants."
For those seeking vaccinated against measles, the Philadelphia health department offers free MMR vaccines from 9am to 1pm on Mondays through Fridays at several locations across the city.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health confirmed that a person with measles traveled through those locations on Wednesday, January 7, before boarding an Amtrak train towards Washington's Union Station. The individual then departed the train at 30th Street Station and took shuttles to BWI Marshall Airport in Maryland, where they visited drop-off locations.
Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. While two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine provide 97% protection, declining vaccination rates have left many vulnerable to contracting the virus.
People who visited the following locations on January 7-8 may be at risk of exposure: Philadelphia International Airport (Terminal A East from 7:50pm to 11pm), 30th Street Station (from 8:15pm to 11:25pm), Amtrak Northeast Regional Train No. 175 (from Philadelphia's 30th Street Station to Washington's Union Station between 9pm and 11:30pm), Amtrak BWI shuttle to and from BWI train station, and BWI Airport parking shuttle.
However, health officials stress that there were no exposures identified inside the terminals of BWI Airport. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) remind individuals who are not protected against measles to contact their healthcare provider about receiving an MMR vaccine as soon as possible, especially if they have weakened immune systems or are pregnant.
If you're considering traveling abroad with unvaccinated children, it's essential to speak with your doctor about necessary vaccinations. "We encourage people who were possibly exposed to take action if they are not protected against measles," said Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson. "Measles can be deadly, especially for certain groups like infants under 12 months and adults over 20."
The trend of declining vaccination rates poses a significant risk to public health, warns James Colgrove, a professor at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. "The most dangerous deadly diseases will come back, and it won't only be kids who suffer. It'll be adults in the community who are immune-compromised, who are elderly. It'll be infants."
For those seeking vaccinated against measles, the Philadelphia health department offers free MMR vaccines from 9am to 1pm on Mondays through Fridays at several locations across the city.
just heard about this measles scare at Philly airport and train station 
️ ugh, can't believe people still not getting vaccinated 
i mean, measles is like, so easy to prevent with just 2 doses of vaccine 
it's crazy how declining vaccination rates are putting a lot of ppl at risk 
especially those with weakened immune systems or pregnant women 
we gotta take this seriously and get vaccinated ASAP! 
I'm all for making sure everyone's good with their vaccinations, but can we talk about how some ppl are still super hesitant about getting the MMR vaccine? 
Like, measles is no joke, but the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, right? 
And what's up with people traveling abroad with unvaccinated kids? 
That's like asking for trouble. I mean, we've seen what happens when folks get measles and they're all sicked out... 
So yeah, let's all make sure to stay on top of our vaccinations and be responsible travelers... 
OMG u guys I'm literally getting a lil worried about this measles outbreak 
! but like seriously, it's so important for us to remember that vaccination is key 
! we gotta take care of each other and protect our community 
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And what really gets me is that it's not just kids who are vulnerable – adults and seniors too are at risk if they have weakened immune systems 
. And, dude, it's not just about the kids – it's about protecting all members of our community! 
OMG you guys I'm so worried about this measles outbreak 
! I saw that Amtrak train thing and I was like what if I got off at the wrong station 
. And now people are worried about their kids traveling abroad without getting the right shots 
. I'm all about being prepared, so if you're a parent or have friends with weakened immune systems, make sure to get them checked out by their doc 
. Declining vaccination rates are a major concern 
so yeah its really bad news if u didnt get vaccinated dont be that person who gets sick and ends up in hospital 
btw did u know that 97% protection with 2 doses of mmm vaccine is like having a fireproof umbrella but still needs to watch out for those measles clouds 
gotta stay safe fam make sure you got ur MMR vaccine if u dont