CASE OF MEASLES CONFIRMED IN MARYLAND RESIDENT RETURNING FROM INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
State of MD - In a recent update given by Maryland's health officials, it was confirmed that a resident of Howard County, has tested positive for measles. The individual had just returned from a trip overseas. This incident is unrelated to the recent measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico.
The Maryland Department of Health and Howard County health officials are now working together to identify those who could potentially have been exposed to the virus. This action involves making contact with passengers present on certain flights.
The locations listed below are areas where the exposure might have taken place:
- Washington Dulles International Airport: The international arrivals zone on March 5th, from 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
- Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department, on March 7th, between 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm.
Early symptoms of measles can include a high fever (above 101 degrees Fahrenheit), a runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Typically, a red rash appears on the face one to four days after these initial symptoms and then spreads to rest of the body.
Symptoms of measles usually occur 10-14 days post exposure, but in some cases, they can appear as early as 7 days or as late as 21 days after exposure. An individual is contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after it begins.
Individuals who have had two measles vaccine shots or have previously had measles are typically considered immune to the disease. Others considered immune without vaccination include those with laboratory evidence of immunity or infection, or those born in the United States prior to 1957.
Pregnant women, infants under one year old, and those who are immune compromised are at most risk from measles infection. People from these at-risk groups, who might have been exposed and are not immune, should contact their healthcare provider immediately or reach out to Howard County Health Department's Infectious Disease Surveillance and Response Program at 410-313-6284 for additional guidance.
Virginia residents with additional questions about their potential exposure can contact the Virginia Department of Health at (804) 363-2704 or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov.
The health department urges individuals, especially those who have not been vaccinated or are not otherwise immune to measles, to monitor themselves for early symptoms of the disease for 21 days following potential exposure. If symptoms develop, individuals shouldn't attend childcare, school, or work, and should avoid public places.
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have measles, it is important to contact your healthcare provider but remember to make a call first to prevent the potential spread to other patients waiting for treatment.
Children generally receive the measles vaccine around their first birthday. However, families with children under one year who are planning to travel internationally can contact their healthcare provider to discuss any necessary vaccines.
It's vital to note that the occurrence of measles cases in Maryland is sporadic; one case was identified in 2024 and another in 2023, with no cases reported between 2020-2022.
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