In the United States, the measles outbreak in the country is showing no signs of slowing down as it has reached new locations, triggering panic among citizens. The City of Philadelphia has reported two possible measles exposures within a week and the latest was at Philadelphia International Airport, Fox News reported. Another measles case was also recently reported in Wisconsin's Chippewa County, outside the state's main southwestern outbreak area. The developments have raised concerns in the United States as measles cases continue to increase across the US, with Pennsylvania reporting hundreds of cases and Wisconsin recording 171 confirmed cases so far in 2026.
Measles outbreak in Philadelphia
Philadelphia health department said that the measles outbreak was reported at airport terminals B and F, as well as areas used to connect to other terminals in C, D and E, on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 7:45 p.m. to Monday, Sept. 14 at 12:05 a.m. Those who tested positive with measles were travelling through Philadelphia and did not leave the airport.
This was the second reported measles exposure in the Philadelphia area, after the first case reported on September 17 at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The incident occurred on September 11 at the following locations.
CHOP NICU West: 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
CHOP NICU West Family Lounge: 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
CHOP Atrium: 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
CHOP Main Cafeteria: 12:05 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson said, “This week's measles exposures are a reminder of how important it is for all of us to be up to date on our vaccinations.” She added that fully vaccinated people are not at high risk from the suspected exposures.
People who were at the airport during the exposure period are being advised to check whether they are immune.
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Those who are unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status, along with infants, pregnant people who are not immune and people with weakened immune systems, should contact a healthcare provider.
Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson said, “This week's measles exposures are a reminder of how important it is for all of us to be up to date on our vaccinations.” She added that fully vaccinated people are not at high risk from the suspected exposures.
Those who are unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status, along with infants, pregnant people who are not immune and people with weakened immune systems, should contact a healthcare provider.
New Measles case reported in Chippewa county
Wisconsin's Department of Health Services confirmed that one measles case was reported in Chippewa County on September 22. According to reports, the case may not be linked to southwestern Wisconsin outbreak, where cases are concentrated. The state said no public exposure sites have been identified so far. The Chippewa County Health Department is working with the infected person and healthcare providers to identify anyone who may have been exposed.
“Measles is highly contagious, so confirming a case in our community is concerning,” Chippewa County Health Officer Brittnay Herrick said. “Our public health team is working closely with partners to identify potential exposures and ensure those affected have the information and guidance they need.”
Wisconsin has reported cases in Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Marathon and Vernon counties since August. The state's largest cluster remains in southwestern Wisconsin, where 161 confirmed and six possible cases had been reported by September 18.
Measles is among the most contagious infectious diseases. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes, and can remain in the air for up to two hours after the person has left an area.
Early symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed several days later by a characteristic rash. Serious complications can include pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in some cases, death.
