Health Information Portal (HIP)

In 2016, PDPH has received six acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) reports from area healthcare providers; two of which were confirmed and four are pending review by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While no etiology has been identified as the cause of these illnesses, four of six patients had at least one specimen test positive for enterovirus.

Anthrax is an immediately notifiable condition. Upon suspicion of anthrax, report anthrax cases to PDPH by calling 215-685-6748 during business hours or calling 215-686-4514 after normal business hours.

Botulism is an immediately notifiable condition. Upon suspicion of botulism, report botulism cases to PDPH by calling 215-685-6748 during business hours or calling 215-686-4514 after normal business hours.

In March 2020, the first confirmed case of C. auris in Pennsylvania was detected in a patient admitted to a Philadelphia short-term acute care hospital with a history of healthcare exposures in another state. Suspected or confirmed cases of C. auris in Philadelphia should be reported to PDPH at 215-685-6748.

The CDC recommends that everyone 5 years and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccination to help protect against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are free for children. COVID-19 vaccines are free with no copays through most insurances. For people who don’t have insurance, or their insurance won’t cover the vaccine, the Bridge Access Program can provide the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. To schedule an appointment today, visit vaccines.gov.

As of December 29, 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Guinea free of Ebola Virus Disease (Ebola). In conjunction with similar declarations made on May 9, 2015 regarding Liberia and November 7, 2015 regarding Sierra Leone, this declaration signaled the end to the largest recorded Ebola outbreak.

On August 1, 2019, Philadelphia declared a public health emergency in response to continuing rapid increases in hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections among persons who use drugs and those who are living homeless. Following a small but still significant outbreak in early 2023, HAV infections are once again increasing in Philadelphia in 2024.

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health identified a cluster of measles cases among unvaccinated residents in December 2023. During the response, PDPH worked to identify everyone who may have been exposed, checked their vaccine status, warned them they may have been exposed, and issued quarantine and exclusion orders where necessary. The Health Department declared the outbreak to be over on February 29, 2024. Please review this press release for additional information.

The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus is a novel coronavirus that was first reported to cause human infection characterized by severe acute lower respiratory illness in September 2012. All cases have had direct or indirect links to the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE)) during their incubation period. Only two patients in the U.S. have ever tested positive for MERS-CoV infection — both in May 2014.

The current mpox (formally monkeypox) outbreak was first identified in a British resident on May 6, 2022. Philadelphia Department of Public Health was notified of a probable case of mpox in Philadelphia on June 2, 2022. While the risk to Philadelphia residents is still extremely low, PDPH has begun issuing resources to healthcare providers. Suspected or confirmed cases of mpox in Philadelphia should be reported to PDPH at 215-685-6741.

An increase in shigella cases has been observed in Philadelphia over the last month. Cases have been reported among people experiencing homelessness and opioid use disorder. Shigellosis is a reportable condition in Philadelphia. Providers who use culture-independent diagnostic test (CIDT) instead of culture for diagnosis should request reflex culture when CIDT is positive.

To arrange for testing and report suspected Zika cases, including congenital infections, neurologic complications, and Guillain-Barre syndrome post-infection, contact PDPH by calling 215-685-6742 during business hours.