The Maryland Department of Health, alongside Howard County health officials, confirmed a case of measles in a county resident with a history of recent international travel. This announcement clarifies that the case differs from the ongoing measles outbreak hitting parts of Texas and New Mexico. Due to this case, Howard County is launching proactive efforts to identify anyone at risk of exposure.
Authorities have identified and publicized high-risk points of exposure for Maryland locals, particularly those frequenting Washington Dulles International Airport on March 5th or the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department on March 7th during specified hours. Exposed during certain hours, individuals may be at risk and should watch for measles symptoms, authorities warned.
Symptoms indicating initial measles infection include a high fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, coughing, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A rash typically follows these early signs by one to four days, starting on the face and spreading across the body. Individuals who develop symptoms should limit public interaction, avoid work, school, or public spaces, and contact their healthcare provider — ideally by phone- to mitigate the risk of spreading the infection.
For prevention, children typically receive the measles vaccine around their first birthday. Nonetheless, families with children under one year old who plan to travel internationally can consider early vaccination, which may start as young as six months in certain cases.
Residents can visit the Maryland Department of Health's official release for more information.
