[VT I Philadelphia January 8, 2026] The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has issued a public health alert notifying travelers and residents of a possible measles exposure linked to an individual who traveled through the city on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
According to the Health Department, potential exposure may have occurred at the following locations and times:
- Philadelphia International Airport (Terminal A East):
January 7, 2026, from 7:50 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. - William H. Gray III 30th Street Station:
January 7, 2026, from 8:15 p.m. to 11:25 p.m. - Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 175 (southbound):
From the scheduled stop in Philadelphia at 9:23 p.m. through 11:30 p.m.
The train operated between Boston South Station and Washington, D.C. Union Station.
Health officials emphasized that the individual with measles was only passing through Philadelphia and that there is no known threat to the general public at this time. However, anyone who was at the listed locations during the specified time periods is urged to review their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. People who are not immune can become infected even up to two hours after a person with measles has left the area. Early symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash. In severe cases, measles can lead to pneumonia, brain infection, and death.
Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson said the risk of travel-related measles cases has increased as outbreaks continue in multiple countries worldwide. She strongly encouraged parents to ensure children are fully vaccinated and advised travelers to consult their healthcare providers before international trips.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. It is routinely recommended at 12–15 months of age, with a second dose at 4–6 years. While infants under 12 months are not routinely vaccinated, those aged 6–11 months should receive one dose before international travel, ideally at least two weeks before departure.
The Health Department notes that individuals are generally considered protected against measles if they:
- Were born before 1957, or
- Have previously had measles, or
- Have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, usually the MMR vaccine.
Those who are protected do not need to take any action.
People who are not immune and may have been exposed are advised to:
- Contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss receiving the MMR vaccine;
- Seek immediate medical advice if they are under 12 months old, pregnant and not immune, or immunocompromised;
- Wear a mask in indoor public spaces and around unvaccinated individuals until three weeks after exposure, as measles is contagious from four days before to four days after rash onset;
- Monitor for symptoms through January 28, 2026, and contact a doctor immediately if symptoms develop, informing them of the possible exposure.
Anyone who develops symptoms should also notify the Philadelphia Department of Public Health at 215-685-6740, or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258 for residents outside Philadelphia.
For more information about measles, the public is encouraged to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Updates related to this exposure will be posted on the City of Philadelphia’s measles information page as they become available.
