Residents warned of possible measles exposure in Philadelphia and Montgomery County

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Health officials are warning the public about potential measles exposure in several locations in Philadelphia and Montgomery County.

The locations and the dates and times of potential exposure are:

CVS Pharmacy
10901C Bustleton Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19116
Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Holy Redeemer Hospital Emergency Department
1648 Huntingdon Pike, Strauss Emergency Pavilion
Meadowbrook, PA 19046
Thursday, May 16 until Friday, May 17, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Holy Redeemer Hospital Medical-Surgical Unit
1648 Huntingdon Pike, Strauss Emergency Pavilion
Meadowbrook, PA 19046
Thursday, May 16 until Friday, May 17, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Health officials say people who are vaccinated do not need to worry, saying the measles vaccine is "extremely effective at preventing measles."

If you are not immunized and develop symptoms between now and June 7, you are urged to contact your doctor right away.

READ MORE: What is measles? What to know about measles symptoms, vaccine and treatment

The early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, cough, and puffy, red eyes, followed by rash. More serious cases can cause inflammation of the organs, brain infection or death.

Officials say they don't believe there's any threat to the general public.

Dr. Richard Lorraine, the medical director of the Montgomery County Office of Public Health, says our region has a relatively high vaccination rate between 93 and 95 percent. He says herd immunity kicks in around 96 or 97 percent.

Many countries, including travel destinations, are experiencing measles outbreaks.

Lorraine says before taking a trip abroad, it's important to know whether there are any cases or outbreaks at your destination, and also your immunization status.

READ MORE: Philadelphia Department of Public Health announces end to measles outbreak

In December and January, there was a minor measles outbreak in Philadelphia, with nine cases and seven hospitalizations.

Officials say most of the residents affected were unvaccinated.

That outbreak was declared over at the end of February.

For more information about measles, visit this page at CDC.gov.