Measles Outbreak in Philadelphia Persists

PhiladelphiaPhoto byActionVanceonUnsplash

PHILADELPHIA—As the measles outbreak in Philadelphia persists, the City remains proactive in its response. Yesterday, the Health Department announced the absence of any new confirmed cases, maintaining the total number of confirmed cases at 9, comprised of 8 cases in Philadelphia and 1 case outside the city.

Despite 93 percent of Philadelphia children being vaccinated against measles, the Health Department emphasizes the importance for unvaccinated individuals to seek out a vaccine due to the dangerous nature of the virus.

The city's website provides regular updates regarding the outbreak. The Health Department will now issue weekly press releases, as there have been no new cases in the past seven days. Press releases will only be distributed if a new case associated with this outbreak is identified. Measles outbreaks are considered over after two incubation periods with no new cases, which in this situation is 42 days.

To facilitate vaccinations, the Health Department organizes various vaccination opportunities in communities, providing free measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines for children and adults. No identification is required; residents can prove their residency with a mail containing their address. While insurance information is preferred, it is not required for vaccination.

Vaccination clinics will be held from Monday to Thursday at Health Centers 3, 4, and 5, and on Saturdays at Health Center 10 on January 27th and February 10th, 2024.

Children in Philadelphia can receive vaccinations at any City health center, and appointments can be made by contacting the call center at (215) 685-2933.