The Philadelphia Department of Public Health confirmed a case of measles in the city this year amid soaring cases in the Southwest United States. The case emerged after news health officials also confirmed a case in Montgomery County.
The Department also alerted the public that potential exposure locations include the South Philadelphia Health and Literacy Center and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Emergency Center.
There have been 301 confirmed cases of measles across the US in the first 3 months of 2025, surpassing 285 total cases in 2024. Health officials warn that those most at risk of measles are those who have never received the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine. The Center for Disease Control says that those who have been exposed to the virus should quarantine for up to 21 days.
Abington Hospital’s Department Chair of Family Medicine Dr. John Russell talked about the symptoms of measles and how to spot it, saying “People with measles can have real high fevers and a really distinctive rash”.
Dr. Russell talked about how the Temple community can protect against measles by getting vaccinated and getting to a level of herd immunity.
“So for the Temple community, we rely on herd immunity. Herd immunity is that if we vaccinate a large enough group of people, we’re gonna kinda protect everyone,” said Russell.
Be the first to comment