The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is warning travelers of a possible measles exposure at three high-traffic transit locations after a person with measles passed through the city.
At a Glance
- A measles-infected traveler was at Philadelphia International Airport, 30th Street Station, and an Amtrak train on January 7, 2026
- Exposure windows range from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. across the three sites
- Health officials say the general public is not at risk, but unvaccinated individuals should take action
- Why it matters: Measles can linger in airspace for up to two hours, making timely notification critical for anyone unprotected
News Of Philadelphia first reported the alert after the health department released a statement on Monday, January 12, 2026, detailing the exact times and locations where the infected individual traveled.
Exposure Locations and Times
Health officials outlined three specific exposure windows:
- Philadelphia International Airport, Terminal A East – Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- 30th Street Station – same evening from 8:15 p.m. to 11:25 p.m.
- Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 175 southbound – from the 9:23 p.m. Philadelphia stop through 11:30 p.m., with earlier and later stops between Boston South Station and Washington Union Station
Health Department Response
“We believe there is no threat to the general public associated with this case of measles,” Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson said.
She emphasized that people who were possibly exposed should take action only if they are not protected against measles. The department also highlighted rising global measles activity.
Many countries, including popular travel destinations, are experiencing measles outbreaks, increasing the potential for travel-related cases and subsequent outbreaks in the United States.
Measles Risks and Symptoms
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Key facts:
- Early symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and red, puffy eyes
- A rash follows these initial signs
- Complications can include pneumonia, brain infection, and death
- The virus can remain infectious in airspace for up to two hours after an infected person leaves
Who Is Protected
Individuals born before 1957, those who have already had measles, or anyone who received two doses of the MMR vaccine or another measles-containing vaccine are considered immune.
Next Steps for Travelers
The Philadelphia Health Commissioner urged parents to get children fully vaccinated as soon as eligible. Anyone planning international travel should consult a doctor about necessary vaccinations.
Updates on exposures will be posted at phila.gov/measles as needed. Additional measles information is available on the CDC website.
