Measles Alert: Philadelphia Travelers Advised to Monitor for Symptoms after Positive Case at Terminal A West

WHYY News is seeking input from its readers on what topics they would like the station to cover in areas ranging from Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware. Suggestions and ideas are welcome.

On Monday, Philadelphia city officials issued a warning regarding potential exposure to measles for travelers who passed through Terminal A West at Philadelphia International Airport on Friday afternoon. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health reported that a person with measles had traveled through the area between 2:50 and 6 p.m. on May 31. The highly contagious virus may have affected those in the vicinity during that time.

Dr. Landrus Burress, director of the city Division of Disease Control, assured that there is no immediate risk to the general public from this isolated case of measles. However, he pointed out that the increase in measles outbreaks around the world, including popular travel destinations, raises the possibility of more travel-related measles cases in the United States.

It has not been disclosed whether the person with measles had recently traveled internationally or if they had been vaccinated against the virus. City health officials are urging anyone who may have been in the affected area during the specified timeframe to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles and seek medical attention if necessary.