Philadelphia measles cases rise to 8; Increased cases of Shigella
Measles
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health reports that there are 8 total confirmed measles cases in the current outbreak.
This growing health concern has prompted health authorities to take immediate and urgent measures to prevent the spread of the virus. The outbreak has led to an increased focus on vaccination campaigns and public awareness initiatives, all aimed at protecting the community from the measles virus. Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely to ensure the safety and well-being of the population.
The Health Department strongly recommends that anyone who may have been exposed to measles should quarantine themselves by staying home and away from others. In addition, people who have not received both doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine should talk with their healthcare provider about getting caught up.
Shigella
From January to September 2023, Philadelphia health officials reported less than 10 shigella cases per month.
However, since October, the city has reported 80 cases through December 11.
There have been 68 cases identified among adults and 12 cases identified among children since October 1, 2023. Investigations suggest that most adults testing positive are experiencing homelessness or opioid use disorder.
No cases of XDR Shigella have been identified.
Varying resistance patterns are being identified. Shigella in the current outbreak is most often but not always sensitive to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Shigella is a bacteria transmitted by the fecal-oral route via person-to-person contact, including sexual contact, or through contaminated food and water.
To prevent shigella, providers should encourage individuals to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the bathroom and before handling food. Persons who do not have access to soap and water should use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Advise persons ill with shigella to wash hands often, refrain from preparing food for others, and to not have sex for two weeks after diarrheal illness or use condoms and other barriers to reduce spread to others.