Health officials warn of measles exposure at PHL Airport on July 4th
Jul 11, 2026
A person with measles traveled through PHL Airport on July 4, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health announced on Saturday.
The measles exposure occurred at Terminal A, B and C between 7:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., officials said.
“Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through
the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk,” Philly health officials said in the release. “People who aren’t protected against measles can get the virus up to two hours after someone else with measles left the same room or airspace.”
Early symptoms of measles include cough, fever, red, watery eyes and then a rash, officials said. Measles can result in pneumonia, brain infection and death.
Although there is a vaccine to protect against measles, outbreaks have been rising in the U.S. in recent years due to people opting to not get the shot.
People who are not vaccinated but were born before 1957 or have already had measles are generally considered immune, officials said.
Anyone who is not protected against measles, was exposed to it at the airport and develops any symptoms before July 25, 2026, should contact their doctor immediately, officials said.
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