Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia reports possible measles exposure

Philadelphia health officials have reported a possible measles exposure at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The exposure occurred on Friday, Sept. 11, at various locations within the hospital’s main building, including the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) West, the NICU West Family Lounge, the CHOP Atrium, and the main cafeteria.

City health officials are working to provide all infants in the NICU with preventative antibody treatment to mitigate the risk. Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson emphasized the importance of vaccination to protect vulnerable populations, noting that while measles is preventable in adults, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain infection, and death.

Symptoms of the highly contagious virus typically manifest seven to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes.