Measles Alert at Philly Children's Hospital

Health officials in Philadelphia are alerting the public to a possible measles exposure event at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) on September 11. The exposure is believed to have occurred across several locations within the hospital's main campus, including the NICU West, Atrium, and main cafeteria, during specific hours.

In response, CHOP and health authorities are administering a preventive antibody product to babies in the neonatal intensive care unit. This aims to protect them from measles or reduce disease severity. The hospital is also implementing measures to curb further transmission of the highly contagious virus.

This alert comes as Pennsylvania is experiencing a substantial measles outbreak. As of Thursday, the state has recorded 731 cases this year, with 117 new cases reported in the past week. The article notes specific case counts in several counties and mentions four measles-associated deaths in 2026.

Philadelphia health officials urge residents to check their vaccination status and monitor for measles symptoms, which include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a subsequent rash. They emphasize the importance of vaccination for personal protection and safeguarding those who cannot be vaccinated. If symptoms appear by October 2 after potential exposure, individuals are advised to contact their doctor and local health department.