NORRISTOWN — Montgomery County health officials are warning area residents about two locations connected to a measles outbreak in Philadelphia, a spokesperson said Thursday.
While no cases have been confirmed locally, public health representatives are working to contact people who may have been at two Montgomery County-based medical facilities last week. The measles outbreak currently consists of eight cases in Philadelphia, according to a Montgomery County spokesperson.
Anyone who on Jan. 3 between 3:30-7:30 p.m. visited Holy Redeemer Pediatric Urgent Care – Meadowbrook, 1648 Huntingdon Pike in Meadowbrook, and between 7-9:40 p.m. visited Jefferson Abington Hospital’s emergency room, at 1200 Old York Road in Abington, may have been exposed to measles, according to a county spokesperson.
“The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Public Health is working to identify and contact all Montgomery County residents who may have been exposed at two locations, checking their vaccine status, warning them that they may have been exposed, and issuing quarantine recommendations where necessary,” a county spokesperson said in a statement issued Thursday morning.
County public health guidelines surrounding measles exposures consist of implementing a 21-day quarantine at home and staying away from other people. Anyone who has not been fully vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella should contact their healthcare provider.
“It’s important to remember that not everyone who was at these sites on the dates and times above was exposed. The Health Department or the facility will contact you if you were exposed,” a county spokesperson said.
The World Health Organization categorized measles as a “highly contagious, serious viral disease” that “is normally passed through direct contact and the air.” Initial symptoms, seven-to-14 days after infection, include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Two to three days after symptoms show, tiny white bumps known as “Koplik spots,” may appear inside the mouth. Additionally, a rash is also a telltale sign, which begins three to five days after symptoms show on the person’s face, and spreads to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
An unvaccinated child in Montgomery County contracted measles back in July 2023, with health officials issuing similar protocols.
Anyone at the aforementioned places during those times may have been exposed. Public health officials recommend people review immunization and medical records.
According to health officials, anyone who’s had measles previously, two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, or was born before 1957 is considered immune.
“If you are immune to measles, you don’t have to do anything — even if you were in those buildings on the dates listed, a county spokesperson said.
People who aren’t considered immune should contact their health provider and let them know prior to visiting the office or medical facility, according to a county spokesperson. Those who may have been exposed but aren’t of their immunity status sure should wear also contact their doctor, “especially if you don’t feel well,” about immunization records and wear a mask in any indoor public spaces.
People who are not vaccinated, have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or have an infant less than 1 year old should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Montgomery County residents can receive a free measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine regardless of insurance or vaccine status and have been exposed to a confirmed measles case. Call the clinic in Norristown at 610-278-5145 or the Pottstown location at 610-970-5040 to learn more.
Visit montgomerycountypa.gov/measles for more information.
