From PhillyVoice · · 3m
Measles exposure at Philadelphia children's hospital
Infants in CHOP's NICU may have been exposed to measles on September 11, prompting preventative treatment and investigation.
In brief
Infants in CHOP's NICU may have been exposed to measles on September 11, prompting preventative treatment and investigation. Newborns exposed to measles at CHOP will receive preventative antibodies, and unvaccinated people who were at the hospital should get the MMR vaccine and watch for symptoms through early…
Measles exposure at CHOP
People at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia may have been exposed to measles on Friday, September 11 in the NICU and other areas of the hospital.
Specific times and locations
The exposure window was 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. in NICU West, the family lounge, and the atrium. The cafeteria was exposed from 12:05 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Preventative treatment for infants
CHOP is working with state and city health officials to give infants in the NICU a preventative antibody to prevent or lessen severe disease.
Measles symptoms to watch for
Early signs include fever, runny nose, cough and red, watery eyes followed by a rash. Anyone exposed should watch for symptoms through October 2.
“Early signs of measles include fever, runny nose, cough and red, watery eyes followed by a rash.”
Who is protected from measles
People born before 1957, those who had measles, or those with two MMR vaccine doses are considered immune. The first dose is given at 12 to 15 months, the second at ages 4 to 6.
Recommendations for unprotected people
Unvaccinated people should get an MMR vaccine and wear masks indoors and around unvaccinated people for three weeks after exposure.
Special populations need different care
Infants under 12 months, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems may require different management after exposure.
Low risk to Philadelphia overall
The exposure is unlikely to present a risk to Philadelphia at large because the vast majority of the population is vaccinated, according to the health commissioner.
How measles spreads
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. Unprotected people can contract it by breathing air up to two hours after someone with measles has left.
Pennsylvania's massive outbreak
Pennsylvania has reported 731 measles cases and 141 hospitalizations this year, the state's largest outbreak in decades. Lancaster County accounts for 308 cases.
Four deaths in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has reported four measles-associated deaths, the state's first in 35 years. Less than 1% of cases are among fully vaccinated people.
Shapiro and Kennedy clash over outbreak
Gov. Josh Shapiro blamed RFK Jr. for spreading vaccine misinformation. Kennedy posted debunked claims about vaccines and accused Shapiro of fabricating the deaths.
CDC hasn't counted Pennsylvania deaths
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not listed any measles deaths in the country this year, saying it is still reviewing Pennsylvania's cases.
Shapiro withholds federal funding
Gov. Shapiro told CNN that Pennsylvania will not accept federal funding to combat the outbreak until the CDC acknowledges the four deaths in the national count.
“We will be happy to accept additional support to deal with this crisis. But I'm not going to accept that until RFK does what is right.”
Here's the gist
Newborns exposed to measles at CHOP will receive preventative antibodies, and unvaccinated people who were at the hospital should get the MMR vaccine and watch for symptoms through early October.
