Measles Outbreak in Pennsylvania – How to Tell If You’ve Been Exposed
It’s that time of year when winter bugs are going around, and I’m not talking about little insects. It’s officially flu and cold season. In addition to the typical seasonal viruses and infections, there’s actually a measles outbreak in Pennsylvania.
Health officials have sent out new information to warn about potential exposures to the measles virus in Philadelphia. Also, according to Philadelphia health officials, the measles virus is highly contagious for those who aren’t vaccinated. “About 90% of people who have close contact with an infected person will get measles if they’re not vaccinated,” the Health Department said in a statement. They add that, “About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who gets measles in the United States is hospitalized.” The good news is that “Philadelphia has high vaccination rates, with at least 93% of children fully vaccinated by age 6,” according to the Department.
Also, according to officials, the confirmed measles cases are by unvaccinated residents. The outbreak started following possibly measles exposure at the Jefferson Health Building located at 33 South 9th Street or 833 Chestnut Street on Tuesday, Dec. 19. Moreover, if you think you’ve been exposed, officials ask that you immediately quarantine and contact your medical provider.
Measles Outbreak in Pennsylvania – How to Tell If You’ve Been Exposed
If you’ve been to these locations on these dates and times, the Health Department says you could have been exposed:
- The Jefferson Health building located at 33 South 9th or 833 Chestnut Streets between 2 p.m. and 5:40 p.m. on Dec. 19.
- Multicultural Education Station Day Care located at 6919 Castor Avenue any time on Dec. 20 or 21.
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Emergency Room located at 3401 Civic Center Boulevard on Dec. 28.
- St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children Emergency Department during the overnight hours of Dec. 30 until mid-afternoon on Dec. 31.
- St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children inpatient unit 5 North any time between Dec. 31 and Jan. 3.
- Nazareth Hospital Emergency Room any time between Dec. 31 and Jan. 2.
5 Surprising Symptoms People Ignore Most When They're Sick
Cold sweats or Chills
Chills and cold sweats can be uncomfortable. Chills feel like a sudden wave of cold running through your body, making you shiver. Cold sweats, on the other hand, are when you start sweating but your skin feels cold and damp instead of warm. Some people may not immediately associate these symptoms with something serious. They might attribute them to temporary factors such as being in a cold environment or wearing too many layers of clothing. People may underestimate the significance of cold sweats or chills, especially if they are not accompanied by other noticeable symptoms. They may assume it’s just a passing discomfort that doesn’t require medical attention.
Tibanna79/ Getty Images
Fever
When you have a fever, your body temperature rises above its normal range, which is typically around 98.6°F (37°C). Fevers can vary in severity and may range from mild to high-grade, depending on the underlying cause. Sometimes, people ignore a fever for a few reasons. They might think it’s just a common cold or flu and believe it’ll go away on its own. It’s important to remember that a fever can be a sign that the body is fighting an infection or an underlying health condition.
Paolo Cordoni/ Getty Images
Body Aches
When you experience body aches, you may feel soreness, tenderness, or a general sense of discomfort in your muscles, joints, or other areas. People may dismiss body aches because they may think it’s just a normal part of everyday life and not something to be concerned about. Some may believe their body aches are due to factors like physical exertion, tiredness, or overexertion during exercise. Also, if someone has experienced them before and they have resolved on their own.
AntonioGuillem/ Getty Images
Green Mucus
Some people may believe that the color of mucus is not a reliable indicator of an illness. While green mucus can be associated with certain infections or respiratory conditions, it’s not always a definite sign of a serious problem. People may assume that it’s normal and will resolve on its own.
Drazen Zigic/ Getty Images
Serious Cough
This kind of cough can disrupt your daily life, mess with your sleep, and leave you feeling exhausted. People ignore serious coughs for a few reasons. Some think it’ll go away on its own or believe it’s just a minor issue like a cold or allergies. Others worry about the cost or hassle of going to the doctor. There’s also the fear of getting a serious diagnosis that can make people hesitant to seek help.
klebercordeiro/ Getty Images
