Amid an outbreak of the highly contagious virus in the city and surrounding areas, Philadelphia health officials urge the public to ensure they are vaccinated against measles and follow quarantine orders if infected. ing.
At least eight people have been diagnosed with measles as of Friday, a spokesperson for the city’s health department told HuffPost. The number of confirmed infections has remained flat since Monday.
“Unfortunately, we have seen cases where measles has spread to vulnerable populations, including young children, because people have refused vaccinations or failed to adhere to quarantine recommendations,” said Philadelphia Health Commissioner Cheryl.・Mr. Bettigor said. stated in the release last week.
“We are asking all city residents who may have been exposed to measles to do their part to ensure that no additional infants are affected by this disease.” she said.
The current outbreak began in December, when an infected patient was admitted to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, according to the report. Philadelphia Inquirer. The newspaper said the infant had recently been in a country where measles infections still occur regularly and was hospitalized with a fever, but the obvious measles rash did not appear until several days later.
According to the city, while this patient was hospitalized, three other patients who also had no immunity to measles, who had not been vaccinated and had not previously tested positive for the virus, became infected. announced that a subsequent test resulted in a positive result.
According to the city, the virus spread again at the nursery school after a child who was confirmed to have the virus on December 20th and 21st was sent to the nursery school in defiance of quarantine orders. At least two of her children at the daycare center subsequently tested positive, but only after visiting various medical centers in the area, resulting in further community exposure. Shortly after, three more children at the nursery school also tested positive for measles. Out of a total of 5 children, 2 were hospitalized.
A city spokesperson told HuffPost that all hospitalized measles patients have been discharged.
City authorities announced list of locations Where people may have been exposed to the virus on certain days and times.
Approximately 90% of people who come into close contact with an infected person will become infected with measles if they do not have immunity. About 93% of Philadelphia’s children have been vaccinated against the virus, but the city said it remains a risk for people with weakened immune systems and infants who are too young to be vaccinated.
One in 20 infected children will develop pneumonia. This is the most common cause of death from measles in young children.
“If you share the same airspace (e.g. the same classroom, home, waiting room, plane, etc.) with someone infected with measles, or if you stay in these areas for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area, you can get measles. “You will be exposed. Exposure standards apply even if the infected person is wearing a mask,” the city said.
The city has instructed those infected to isolate themselves at home for 21 days after being infected. early symptoms Measles causes a fever, runny nose, cough, and swollen eyes, followed by a rash. Anyone who suspects they may be infected should contact their health care provider before going to the office to avoid infecting others.