Philadelphia Health Department Confirms Ninth Case of Measles
Health officials in Philadelphia have confirmed another case of the measles as the city continues to grapple with an outbreak. This latest case brings the total number of confirmed measles cases in the city to nine, with eight of those cases being Philadelphia residents and one from outside the city.
The newly confirmed case is linked to a recent outbreak at the Multicultural Education Station Day Care on Castor Ave. from Dec. 20 or 21, sparking concerns about the spread of the highly contagious disease.
In response to the outbreak, the Health Department is offering the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine for free at City health centers. Philadelphia residents can receive vaccinations for measles at any City health center, and appointments can be scheduled by contacting the call center at (215) 685-2933.
Additionally, walk-in MMR vaccines are available at three City health centers for a limited time. These centers are open Monday through Thursday and are located at Health Center 3 (555 S. 43rd St.), Health Center 4 (4400 Haverford Ave.), and Health Center 5 (1900 N. 20th St.). Health Center 10 (2230 Cottman Avenue) is also offering vaccinations on select Saturdays.
The symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes or pinkeye, and a rash that typically starts as flat red spots on the face and spreads to the neck, arms, legs, and feet. The Health Department advises that individuals born before 1957, those who have already had the measles virus, and those who have received two doses of the measles-containing vaccine are protected from the virus.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can be transmitted through direct contact or through the air by droplets from coughing or sneezing, making vaccination crucial in preventing its spread.
Historically, measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000, but recent outbreaks have highlighted the importance of vaccination to prevent the reemergence of the disease.
In summary, the Philadelphia Health Department’s efforts to address the measles outbreak include offering free vaccinations at City health centers and providing walk-in vaccination options to ensure the safety and well-being of Philadelphia residents. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the symptoms of measles and to take proactive measures such as vaccination to protect themselves and the community from this potentially harmful disease.
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