USA: Measles Outbreak in Philadelphia: Eight Cases Traced to International Travel

An outbreak of measles in the Philadelphia area, starting last month, has resulted in the diagnosis of at least eight individuals. The outbreak originated with a child admitted to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) after international travel.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health labeled the case as “imported.” Subsequently, the disease spread within CHOP, affecting three more individuals, two of whom were already hospitalized for unrelated reasons.

A parent and child at the hospital were infected; the child was unvaccinated, and the parent refused post-exposure preventive medication. Disregarding quarantine instructions, the unvaccinated child attended day care, leading to four more infections.

All diagnosed individuals lacked immunity to measles, either due to non-vaccination or no prior contraction. The outbreak has resulted in six hospitalizations. Measles is highly contagious, with an infected person capable of infecting up to 90% of close contacts.

The virus remains airborne for up to two hours after an infected person departs. Philadelphia hospitals are vigilant for new cases, emphasizing the contagious nature of the virus and the importance of vaccination. Three measles patients, aged 1 to 2 years, were reported at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, all unvaccinated.