Philadelphia health officials alert public to possible measles exposure at CHOP

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health issued an advisory on possible measles exposure at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) on Sept. 11. The exposure is believed to have occurred in several areas of the hospital, including the NICU West, its family lounge, the atrium, and the main cafeteria, during specific time windows between 9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.

Officials are urging anyone who was in those locations during the listed periods to verify their vaccination records and watch for signs of measles, which can include fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes and a rash. They note that the virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, and that unprotected individuals can become infected for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area.

"Measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain infection, and death," the health department warned.

The department advises anyone who develops symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.