Philadelphia Grapples with Measles Outbreak: Hospitals on Alert as Cases Rise

Philadelphia measles outbreak Measles MMR vaccine

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Jan 10, 10:34 pm

Photo: (Photo : Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images)

The Philadephia measles outbreak is continuing to spread to eight more people in the city, including five children, for now.

This situation has put local hospitals on high alert and underscored the critical importance of the MMR vaccine in preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease.

Philadelphia Measles Outbreak

The current Philadelphia measles outbreak began with a child who had returned from international travel, eventually leading to an admission at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for measles.

This initial case, classified as imported, marked the beginning of the outbreak but was not revealed as to which country it came from.

The disease quickly spread within the hospital, affecting three more individuals, including a parent and child who were already present at the facility for other reasons.

In a troubling development, the child, who was among those infected and had not been vaccinated, was later sent to a daycare facility named Multicultural Education Station.

Additionally, the parent was also offered medication used to treat people infected with measles; however, she refused. Furthermore, the parent was also given instructions for quarantine.

However, the child was sent to the daycare facility for two consecutive days on December 20 and 21.

This decision, in contradiction to quarantine instructions, resulted in four additional infections at the daycare, exacerbating the outbreak.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has been closely monitoring the situation, confirming that all individuals diagnosed with measles were not immune to the disease.

This indicates that they had either not received the MMR vaccine or had never contracted measles before.

As a consequence, hospitals in Philadelphia, including St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, have admitted several more patients in relation to this outbreak.

Dr. Doug Thompson, the chief medical officer at St. Christopher's, has reported that the hospital has treated three measles patients, all between 1 and 2 years old, during this outbreak.

He stressed the need for vigilance in identifying and managing cases, given the highly contagious nature of measles.

MMR Vaccine Implications

The recent measles outbreak in Philadelphia has brought to light the importance of the MMR vaccine in curbing the spread of this infectious disease.

In the city, a robust vaccination program has resulted in 93% of children being fully vaccinated against measles by the age of six.

Usually, the MMR vaccine involves two doses, the first dose is given to children between 12 to 15 months old and the second shot is at 4 to 6 years old.

For those who are unvaccinated, the threat posed by measles is significant, with approximately one-fifth of such individuals needing hospital care. On the other hand, in children, measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling.

Furthermore, the protection afforded by vaccination is substantial. A single dose of the MMR vaccine has a 93% efficacy rate, which increases to 97% with the second dose, offering enduring immunity.

Dr. Paul Offit of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, along with other health experts, points out that a dip in vaccination rates could lead to a resurgence of measles.

Therefore, sustaining high levels of immunization is crucial in preventing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is actively promoting the MMR vaccine's effectiveness and also emphasizes the availability of preventive treatments for those who might have been exposed to measles.

Through the collective efforts of healthcare workers, public health authorities, and community engagement, the city is focused on controlling and eventually eliminating this measles outbreak.