Delawareans may have been exposed to measles at health provider amid Philadelphia outbreak

Hannah Edelman, Delaware News Journal
Updated ·2 min read
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Patients at a Delaware health care facility may have been exposed to measles on Dec. 29 by an unvaccinated person seeking care there, the Delaware Division of Public Health said Monday.

The case of measles was confirmed Friday by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, which is actively tracking an outbreak of measles in the city. As of Monday, the health department has confirmed eight measles cases, with at least three people hospitalized.

Delaware officials said they are working to identify and reach out to anyone who may have been exposed locally. The division said it may issue quarantine orders as necessary.

The state Division of Public Health did not immediately respond to questions about the location of the exposure or how many people in Delaware may have been exposed.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause pneumonia, brain inflammation and even death, according to the state Division of Public Health.

Early symptoms of the virus include a fever, cough, runny nose and pink eye, followed by a rash on one's face and body. It usually takes about two weeks for the rash to appear after infection.

Measles, like most respiratory viruses, is spread through droplets in the air and on surfaces, which can linger for up to two hours.

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What should you do?

DPH urges anyone who has not been vaccinated against measles to get the first of the two-dose measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine as soon as possible. Most people receive both doses of the vaccine by age 6, but anyone over 6 who has not been vaccinated can still do so.

The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles, according to DPH, and provides protection for one's entire life. It is available at most pharmacies, doctor's offices and public health clinics.

Anyone unsure of their vaccination status can check on the DelVAX online portal or contact their provider directly.

Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on X at @h_edelman.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Measles exposure reported in Delaware; officials urge MMR vaccinations