The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is working closely with local and state public health agencies and local health care systems to respond to any confirmed measles cases in the region.

If you were in any of the locations below during the listed times, check to see if you’re immune to measles and watch for symptoms.  

Where & when was the exposure?

Philadelphia County

    • South Philadelphia Health & Literacy Center
      • March 7, 10:45 am – 2:40 pm & March 8, 9:05 am – 1:20 pm
      • 1700 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145
      • Includes CHOP Pediatric Primary Care South Philadelphia and Health Department Health Center #2 (no exposure in the library)
    • CHOP Emergency Department
      • March 10, 7:55 am – 10:15 am
      • 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104
    • Amtrak Northeast Regional Southbound Train 175 – This train travels from Boston to Newport News Virginia
      • March 19th between 7:30 pm and 1:30 am

What to do if you were exposed to measles 

If you’re immune

No action is needed. You’re considered immune if you don’t have a weakened immune system and meet one of the following: 

  • Received two doses of MMR vaccine.
  • Have a blood test showing immunity to measles. 
  • Were born before 1957.
  • Have documentation of a past measles infection.

Received just one dose of MMR vaccine? You’re still protected against measles and usually don’t need to stay home away from others (also called quarantine) after an exposure. However, you may need a second vaccine dose. Contact your healthcare provider or pediatrician ASAP to find out more. 

If you’re not immune

Take immediate action, especially if your infant is less than 1 year old, you’re pregnant, or you have a weakened immune system. 

  • Call your healthcare provider or pediatrician ASAP
  • You may qualify for post-exposure treatment, which can help prevent measles. 
  • Ask them to call the health department.
  • Stay home (quarantine) and monitor your symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Avoid contact with others, especially if they’re unvaccinated or have a weakened immune system. 
  • If you or your child feel sick especially if you have fever and/or rash, call ahead before visiting the clinic or hospital. Because measles spreads easily, special steps may be needed to protect others.  

There are specific quarantine recommendations for exposure locations:

  • People who are not immune and were at:
    • The South Philadelphia Health & Literacy Center on March 7 sometime between 10:45 am and 2:40 pm should quarantine until Friday, March 28.
    • The South Philadelphia Health & Literacy Center on March 8 sometime between 9:05 am and 1:20 pm should quarantine until Saturday, March 29.
    • The CHOP Emergency Department on March 10 sometime between 7:55 am and 10:15 am and didn’t receive a dose of MMR vaccine before Thursday, March 13 should quarantine until Sunday, March 30.
    • Amtrak Northeast Regional Southbound Train 175 on March 19th between 7:30 pm and 1:30 am should quarantine until Wednesday, April 9.

If you’re not sure if you’re immune

  • Ask your healthcare provider or pediatrician to check your vaccine records.
  • Your provider can confirm your status or order a simple blood test to check for immunity. 
  • Also, tell them if you or your child feel sick, especially if you have fever and/or rash.
  • Stay home until you confirm your status. If you must be around others, wear a mask in indoor public spaces and around unvaccinated people until you verify your immunity. 

Where to get a free measles vaccine 

You can get a free MMR vaccine at Philadelphia City Health Centers, Monday through Friday from 9am to 1pm: 

  • Health Center 3 – 555 S. 43rd St. | 215-685-7504 
  • Health Center 4 – 4400 Haverford Ave. | 215-685-7601 
  • Health Center 5 Annex – 2001 W. Berks St. | 215-685-2933 
  • Mattie L. Humphrey Health Center (Health Center 9) – 131 E. Chelten Ave. | 215-685-5701 
  • Strawberry Mansion Health Center – 2840 W. Dauphin St. | 215-685-2401

No insurance? No problem. These clinics provide free vaccines for everyone. 

Kids can also get vaccinated at their pediatrician’s office or a retail pharmacy (call the pharmacy for age requirements).  

Know the symptoms of measles 

Symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after exposure and develop in stages: 

Early symptoms 

  • High fever 
  • Cough 
  • Runny nose 
  • Red, watery eyes 

Later symptoms (2-5 days after symptoms start)  

  • Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots) 
  • Measles rash, which usually starts as flat spots on the face, then spreads down the body 
  • High fever that spikes when the rash appears 

Measles rash on different skin tones

  • On lighter skin, the rash can appear red 
  • On darker skin, it may look purple or darker than surrounding skin 

 What you need to do 

  • Check if you were exposed.
  • Get vaccinated if you haven’t already.
  • If you’re exposed and not immune, stay home & call your doctor.
  • Know the symptoms and act fast if you feel sick.

Measles is highly contagious, but completely preventable with vaccination.   

Additional Resources 

 

 

Learn when and where to get a measles vaccine in Philadelphia.