PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is alerting the public about a possible measles exposure at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, according to officials. Health leaders say exposure could have occurred Friday, Sept. 11, at several spots inside CHOP.
What we know:
The possible exposure locations within CHOP include NICU West, the NICU West Family Lounge, the Atrium and the Main Cafeteria. Specific times for possible exposure are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., with the cafeteria exposure window from 12:05 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
The Health Department, CHOP and the Pennsylvania Department of Health are working together to ensure infants in the NICU receive preventive antibody treatment and to prevent further spread of the disease. The public is being urged to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms.
Dig deeper:
Health officials say a visitor believed to have measles was at multiple locations inside CHOP on Friday, September 11, between 9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.
The locations included:
- NICU West: 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- NICU West Family Lounge: 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Atrium: 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Main Cafeteria: 12:05 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Health officials say people who were at those locations during the specified times are most at risk, however zero cases have been found at this time connected to the visitor.
No cases linked to CHOP exposure
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health says people in the Philadelphia area are not currently believed to be at risk, and officials have identified zero cases linked to the visitor so far.
The visitor is no longer in the Philadelphia area.
However, health officials are particularly concerned about people who are not vaccinated against measles, including infants who are too young to receive the routine measles vaccine.
Measles is highly contagious and can remain in the air after an infected person leaves an area.
“It’s such a contagious disease and tends to hang out in the air,” said James Garrow with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. “If a person walks into a room with measles and then leaves, the virus can continue to float in the air for up to two hours.”
Garrow said that means someone could potentially be exposed without having direct face-to-face contact with an infected person.
Pennsylvania measles cases continue to rise
The potential CHOP exposure comes as Pennsylvania continues to deal with a significant measles outbreak.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health says 767 measles cases have been confirmed across 38 counties in 2026, including 36 new positive cases since September 16.
There have been 150 hospitalizations and four confirmed measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania this year, according to the state Department of Health.
The state says four cases have occurred among vaccinated individuals, representing less than 1% of the total cases.
Health officials say the current nationwide increase in measles cases is occurring at its highest level in decades.
“We encourage people to get vaccinated not only to protect themselves, but to protect those who cannot get vaccinated. This is why it is imperative that everyone who is eligible gets up to date on the vaccines they need so we can protect our most vulnerable,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson said. “We do not believe that these exposures constitute a broad risk to Philadelphians, since the vast majority of us are fully protected due to our being vaccinated. Given the ongoing outbreaks in Pennsylvania and other places, it is imperative that everyone who is not up to date on their MMR vaccine gets their vaccine as soon as possible. Remember, this is not just about protecting yourself, it’s about protecting our most vulnerable Philadelphians.”
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles typically begins with symptoms including:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red or watery eyes
- A characteristic rash
In some cases, measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and respiratory distress.
Philadelphia pediatrician Dr. Elana McDonald said parents should remain informed without becoming alarmed.
“We certainly do not want to frighten people,” McDonald said. “We want to make sure that we are presenting the most up-to-date data so people are aware that this virus is continuing to spread.”
McDonald said vaccination remains an important way to prevent the spread of measles.
Health officials also emphasize that vaccination helps protect people who cannot yet receive the vaccine, particularly babies under 12 months old.
What they’re saying:
The Health Department says the MMR vaccine is safe, highly effective and routinely recommended for children ages 12–15 months, with a second dose at 4–6 years. Any child with planned travel to areas with measles, including several counties in Pennsylvania or internationally, should receive earlier doses.
Recommendations include consulting a healthcare provider for anyone under 12 months, pregnant and not immune, or immunosuppressed. Anyone exposed who is not immune and who develops symptoms through Oct. 2 should contact a doctor and the health department immediately.
Prevention, vaccine, and next steps
What you can do:
People who are considered protected include anyone born before 1957, those who have already had measles, or those who have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine. The Health Department says anyone only partially vaccinated should discuss getting a second dose with their healthcare provider. If someone is not immune and may have been exposed, they are urged to receive an MMR vaccine and to wear a mask in indoor public spaces for three weeks after the exposure.
Measles is highly contagious, can linger in the air for up to two hours and can lead to serious complications including pneumonia and brain infection, officials say. The public is encouraged to visit phila.gov/measles for information on where to get vaccinated.
The Health Department has stated that updates on any new exposures will be posted on phila.gov/measles as needed. Individuals can also seek more information from the CDC’s measles webpage.
Anyone who was at the identified CHOP locations during the specified times on September 11 should check their measles vaccination status and monitor for symptoms. Anyone with questions or concerns about vaccination should speak with their doctor or health care provider.
What we don’t know:
As of Friday evening, no one has reported a case linked to the CHOP exposure.
The Source: This article contains information from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
