Health Dept. warns of possible measles exposure at PHL airport, 30th Street Station and Amtrak train

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Health officials are warning that there may have been a possible measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport, 30th Street Station and aboard an Amtrak train.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health says an individual with measles was traveling through the city and that the exposure may have happened at Terminal A East at PHL on Wednesday, January 7, between 7:50 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The exposure at William H Gray 30th Street Station may have happened between 8:15 p.m. and 11:25 p.m.

Passengers who were on Amtrak Northeast Regional Train Southbound #175 are also at risk of possible exposure, from the train's scheduled stop in Philadelphia at 9:23 p.m. on January 7 through 11:30 p.m.

"We believe there is no threat to the general public associated with this case of measles," said Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson. "We encourage people who were possibly exposed to take action if they are not protected against measles."

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. People who aren't protected against measles can get the virus up to two hours after someone else with measles left the same room or airspace.

Early symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and red, puffy eyes, followed by rash. In some people, it can be a very serious infection that leads to pneumonia, brain infection, and death.