Maryland Confirms 5 Measles Cases Tied to Out-of-State Travel
Updated
Updated · NBC Washington · Jul 18
Maryland Confirms 5 Measles Cases Tied to Out-of-State Travel
3 articles · Updated · NBC Washington · Jul 18
Summary
Five Maryland residents have been diagnosed with measles after recent out-of-state travel, prompting a public health alert over possible exposure at Carroll Hospital Center’s emergency department waiting room from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on July 13.
Health officials said people at risk should verify vaccination status, monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure, and isolate immediately if symptoms appear before calling a provider.
Two MMR doses or birth before 1957 are considered protective; people with only one dose are advised to ask about a second shot, while immunocompromised people should contact a doctor if exposed.
Measles spreads through the air and is contagious from four days before a rash appears until four days after; the CDC says 9 in 10 unvaccinated exposed people become infected.
Maryland urged eligible residents to get fully vaccinated, saying MMR shots are covered by insurance or available free through state vaccine programs for the uninsured.