Possible measles exposure at Philadelphia airport; state officials issue warning

Pennsylvania health officials are warning air travelers about possible measles exposure after a suspected case was identified at Philadelphia International Airport last week.

The possible exposure occurred on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

"An individual with a suspected case of measles was present in the Philadelphia International Airport on two days and may have exposed many individuals," state Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said, according to KYW-TV.

"The Department of Health is working with the county and municipal health departments to notify Pennsylvanians who were on flights with the suspected case, but other individuals may have been exposed at the airport during the identified times," Levine said.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread through sneezing, coughing or contact with an infected person's saliva or mucus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on its website. The disease can cause serious complications and is especially dangerous for babies who have not been vaccinated.

It can take up to three weeks after exposure to measles to experience symptoms, which include fever, rash and coughing.

More than 1,200 cases of measles have been reported so far this year.

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