A child in Philadelphia, diagnosed with measles, inadvertently exposed everyone at their daycare due to parental failure to adhere to quarantine guidelines. Subsequently, the outbreak extended to two nearby hospitals, including a patient who received treatment. Presently, at least eight individuals have contracted the illness, and hospitals remain vigilant as additional cases may emerge from further exposures.
Montgomery County authorities released a press statement, last revised on January 11, cautioning residents about potential exposure to the infection at two medical establishments. According to the notice, an individual with measles visited Holy Redeemer Pediatric Urgent Care-Meadowbrook on January 3, spanning approximately four hours until 7:30 p.m. Subsequently, they proceeded to Jefferson Abington Hospital Emergency Department, posing a potential risk to anyone present at that location between 7 p.m. and 9:40 p.m.
As reported by NBC News, there are indications of potential prior exposures at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The first patient seemingly acquired the virus during a visit to an unspecified foreign country. Subsequently, three individuals, two of whom were hospitalized for unrelated conditions, contracted the virus at the hospital. The parents of one patient neglected to enforce quarantine measures, leading to their child attending the Multicultural Education Station daycare facility on December 20 and 21. As a result, four additional individuals acquired the infection from this particular exposure.
Up to this point, four individuals have required hospitalization due to the seriousness of their measles cases. Given its high contagion, with an approximate 90% transmission rate to non-immune exposed individuals, local hospitals are issuing alerts to mitigate the potential for additional surges in cases.
Montgomery County distributed an informational document on measles, sourced from the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. The document highlights that the distinctive rash typically manifests 3 to 5 days after the onset of initial symptoms, which may include cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a high fever.
Notably, the virus is reported to linger in the air even after a patient has vacated a room, potentially infecting others for up to two hours following their departure.
