Philadelphia health officials are confirming new cases of measles as the city grapples with the outbreak.
This is the ninth confirmed case of measles in the city. Eight cases are Philadelphia residents and one is not a Philadelphia resident.
This newly confirmed case is related to a recently reported daycare outbreak at Multicultural Education Station Daycare, located at 6919 Castor Avenue, on Dec. 20 or 21.
The Department of Health provides measles, mumps and rubella vaccines free of charge at city health centres.
Any child in Philadelphia can get vaccinated at the city's health center. You can schedule an appointment by contacting our call center at (215) 685-2933.
Where can I get a free measles vaccination?
Three health centers across the city are also offering walk-in MMR vaccines for a limited time. Anyone living in Philadelphia is eligible. Visit his three locations Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.
- Health Center 3, 555 S. 43rd St.
- Health Center 4, 4400 Haverford Ave.
- Health Center 5, 1900 N. 20th.cent
You can also visit Health Center 10, 2230 Cottman Avenue, to get your vaccine between 8 a.m. and noon on any of the following days:
- Saturday, January 20th
- Saturday, January 27th
- Saturday, February 10th
Reservations are not required during these hours. There are no out-of-pocket costs or fees for vaccination, and no ID is required, just a mailed letter with your address on it.
What are the symptoms of measles?
If you have not yet been infected with the measles virus or have not received the measles vaccination, you may become ill.
Symptoms to watch out for are:
- heat
- cough
- snot
- Red, watery, or pink eyes
- The rash usually starts as a flat red patch on the face near the hairline and eventually spreads toward the neck, arms, legs, and feet.
The health department says you are protected from the virus if you:
- Born before 1957
- Already infected with measles virus
- Have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine
Officials said measles is a virus that can be spread from person to person through the air, either through direct contact or through droplets from coughing or sneezing.
