Measles Outbreak in Pennsylvania – How to Tell If You’ve Been Exposed

It’s that time of year when winter bugs are going around, and I’m not talking about little insects. It’s officially flu and cold season. In addition to the typical seasonal…

Anne Erickson

Updated Jan 5, 2024 11:15 AM EST

Doctor Checking Skin of Sick Girl. Kid with Red Rash being Examined at the Physician. Allergic Rash, Chicken pox, Monkeypox Symptoms on the Body of Child. Health Problem. Bacterial Infections, Disease

Getty Images / Marina Demidiuk

Getty Images / Marina Demidiuk

It's that time of year when winter bugs are going around, and I'm not talking about little insects. It's officially flu and cold season. In addition to the typical seasonal viruses and infections, there's actually a measles outbreak in Pennsylvania.

Health officials have sent out new information to warn about potential exposures to the measles virus in Philadelphia. Also, according to Philadelphia health officials, the measles virus is highly contagious for those who aren't vaccinated. "About 90% of people who have close contact with an infected person will get measles if they’re not vaccinated," the Health Department said in a statement. They add that, "About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who gets measles in the United States is hospitalized." The good news is that "Philadelphia has high vaccination rates, with at least 93% of children fully vaccinated by age 6," according to the Department.

Also, according to officials, the confirmed measles cases are by unvaccinated residents. The outbreak started following possibly measles exposure at the Jefferson Health Building located at 33 South 9th Street or 833 Chestnut Street on Tuesday, Dec. 19. Moreover, if you think you've been exposed, officials ask that you immediately quarantine and contact your medical provider.

Measles Outbreak in Pennsylvania - How to Tell If You've Been Exposed

If you've been to these locations on these dates and times, the Health Department says you could have been exposed:

The Jefferson Health building located at 33 South 9th or 833 Chestnut Streets between 2 p.m. and 5:40 p.m. on Dec. 19.
Multicultural Education Station Day Care located at 6919 Castor Avenue any time on Dec. 20 or 21.
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Emergency Room located at 3401 Civic Center Boulevard on Dec. 28.
St. Christopher's Hospital for Children Emergency Department during the overnight hours of Dec. 30 until mid-afternoon on Dec. 31.
St. Christopher's Hospital for Children inpatient unit 5 North any time between Dec. 31 and Jan. 3.
Nazareth Hospital Emergency Room any time between Dec. 31 and Jan. 2.

Anne EricksonEditor

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.