Patients at Jefferson Health are being warned that they may be exposed to the measles virus.
The Philadelphia Health Department issued the alert Saturday just before 6:30 p.m.
Officials said anyone who was in the building at 33 South 9th Street or 833 Chestnut Street between 2pm and 5:30pm on Tuesday could have been infected.
Health officials say if you were not in the building during this time, you are not at risk.
“We do not believe there is a threat to the general public associated with this case of measles,” Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigor said in a statement. “We encourage people who may have been exposed to measles to take action if they are not protected from measles. The threat of measles exposure in the United States has increased over the past decade. doing.”
Officials said measles is a virus that can be spread from person to person through the air, either through direct contact or through droplets from coughing or sneezing.
Officials say symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, cough, swollen eyes and rash.
According to the health department, you are protected from the virus if you:
- Born before 1957
- Already infected with measles virus
- Have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine
If you or someone you know starts showing symptoms of measles by Tuesday, January 9, contact your doctor right away.
If you develop symptoms, you can also call the Philadelphia Health Department at (215) 685-6740.