Health officials in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, are investigating a confirmed case of measles and alerting residents to potential exposure sites. The case involves an unvaccinated child and highlights the ongoing risk of measles, a highly contagious viral illness.
Recent Exposure Locations
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Public Health (OPH) is currently conducting contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed. The confirmed case visited several locations during their infectious period, potentially exposing others. These locations include:
- China Airlines Airport Shuttle Bus: Departing JFK Airport Terminal 4, arriving in North Philadelphia, and stopping at Pho Ha Saigon (757 Adams Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19120) from at 9:30 p.m. To at 3:15 a.m.
- True North Pediatrics Associates of Plymouth: 3031 Walton Rd., #C101, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, from , 11:45 a.m. To 2:15 p.m.
- CHOP King of Prussia Campus Emergency Department: 550 S. Goddard Boulevard, King of Prussia, PA 19406, from , 12:52 p.m. To 3:02 p.m.
- Patient First Primary and Urgent Care: 1400 block of South Collegeville Road in Collegeville on , between 1:15 p.m. And 4:15 p.m.
Health officials emphasize that not everyone present at these locations during the specified times was necessarily exposed. Individuals identified as potentially exposed will be contacted directly by the Health Department or the respective facility.
Understanding Measles and its Risks
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. It can also spread through contact with droplets from an infected person. The virus can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area, increasing the risk of transmission.
Symptoms of measles include an unexplained rash, cough, congestion or runny nose, and red, watery eyes. It’s crucial to monitor for these symptoms for up to 21 days following potential exposure.
Certain populations are at higher risk of complications from measles. These include infants and children under five years old, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Prevention Through Vaccination
The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective. Individuals are considered immune to measles if they:
- Were born before .
- Have previously had measles.
- Have received two doses of the MMR vaccine and are not immune-compromised.
For those who are not immune, precautions should be taken if exposure is suspected. Here’s particularly important for infants under the age of 15 months, who typically haven’t yet received their first dose of the MMR vaccine.
Pennsylvania’s Measles Cases in 2025
The case in Montgomery County is not an isolated incident. As of , Pennsylvania confirmed its first measles case of the year in Montgomery County. The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) reported one confirmed case statewide on , which was linked to international travel and not a domestic outbreak.
Philadelphia health officials have confirmed eight cases of measles as of . The Montgomery County case is potentially linked to a patient from Philadelphia.
What to Do If You Suspect Exposure
Individuals who believe they may have been exposed to measles and are unsure of their immunity status should contact their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers should be informed of potential exposure to facilitate appropriate assessment, and care. The Montgomery County Office of Public Health can be reached at 610-278-5117 to facilitate a safe visit and reduce exposure to staff and other patients.
This situation underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect individuals and communities from the spread of this highly contagious disease.
