Health officials have reported a measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport, marking the second recent exposure in Philadelphia. A person infected with measles was at the airport from September 13 at 7:25 p.m. to 12:05 a.m. on September 14, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. The individual traveled through terminals B and F and used areas connected to terminals C, D, and E. The health department stated that the individual did not leave the airport during their time there.
This warning follows a separate measles exposure at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which occurred on September 11 in various parts of the hospital, including the NICU. Travelers at the airport during the exposure period who are not immune to measles, are unsure of their vaccination status, are infants, pregnant and not immune, or are immunocompromised are advised to contact a health provider as soon as possible.
The health department encourages those who were in the airport during the specified times to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms. As of Sunday, Pennsylvania has reported 792 measles cases this year, including 155 hospitalizations and four deaths. Nationally, there have been 3,471 measles cases in the U.S. this year, with CDC data indicating that 92.4% of kindergartners received the MMR vaccine in the 2025-2026 school year, a decline from 95.2% in the 2019-2020 school year.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or talk. It can infect unvaccinated individuals up to two hours after an infected person has left a room. Initial symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash. Complications can include pneumonia, brain infection, and death.
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose given at 12 to 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old. Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson emphasized the importance of being up to date on vaccinations, stating that fully vaccinated individuals have little to fear from the current situation. She encouraged residents to visit phila.gov/measles for more information on measles, the MMR vaccine, and preventive measures.