In a recent announcement, the City of Philadelphia Health Department has revealed that there are now six locations where individuals may have been exposed to measles since late December. This includes five newly announced locations, in addition to one that was identified just two days before Christmas.

According to the city's news release, there appears to be a cluster of measles cases among unvaccinated residents, with four confirmed cases and two possible cases reported so far. The two potential cases were identified after one of the confirmed measles patients visited a daycare, defying quarantine and exclusion instructions.

City officials are strongly advising anyone who may have been exposed to measles to quarantine themselves at home and stay away from others. They have also provided a list of specific dates and locations where exposures may have occurred:

- Exposures on December 19 between 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Exposures on December 20 and 21
- Exposures on December 28
- Suspected exposures from overnight December 30 to December 31 mid-afternoon
- Suspected exposures between December 31 and January 3
- Suspected exposures on December 31 and January 2

Health officials are urging individuals who were present in these buildings on the specified dates and are not immune to measles, including infants under 12-15 months who haven't received vaccinations yet, to contact their healthcare provider or pediatrician immediately if they begin to feel unwell. It is essential to inform the healthcare provider about the potential measles exposure.

Additionally, individuals are advised to alert the healthcare provider before visiting and inform them of the measles exposure so that appropriate measures can be taken. The city emphasizes the need for strict quarantine measures to prevent further transmission of the highly contagious virus, particularly to vulnerable populations.

Measles is a viral infection that spreads easily, as highlighted by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. To safeguard against measles, the Health Commissioner, Dr. Cheryl Bettigole, urges individuals who haven't been vaccinated or have not vaccinated their children aged 12 months and older to contact their healthcare provider immediately.

For more information on receiving a measles vaccine, individuals can visit Phila.gov. It is crucial to follow public health guidance to prevent exposing additional children to the virus.

As the city works diligently to address this situation, it is essential for residents to stay updated on any further developments and adhere to the recommended precautions to prevent the further spread of measles.