A positive case of measles has been confirmed in Maryland, according to public health officials who made the announcement on Sunday. The highly contagious virus was detected in a Howard County resident who had recently returned from international travel. This case adds to a concerning trend, as health officials are currently monitoring a rising number of measles cases across a dozen states.
It is important to note that the Maryland case is not connected to the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, where public health officials have reported over 200 cases and two fatalities in recent weeks. Maryland health authorities are actively working to identify individuals in the area who may have been exposed to the virus.
Authorities have highlighted specific locations where individuals may have been exposed to the measles virus. These locations include:
Washington Dulles International Airport in Terminal A, including transportation to the main terminal and baggage claim area between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5. Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department on Friday, March 7, between 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.Measles spreads easily through the air or via direct contact with infectious droplets. Virginia public health officials have urged individuals who were present at these locations and are not fully vaccinated against measles to contact their healthcare provider, monitor for symptoms, and isolate themselves from others if symptoms develop.
Early symptoms of measles include a fever exceeding 101 degrees Fahrenheit, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Following these initial symptoms, a red rash typically appears on an infected person’s face and body within one to four days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus can lead to severe health complications such as pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and even death.
Fortunately, individuals who have been vaccinated against measles are generally safe. The CDC emphasizes that two doses of the vaccine provide lifetime protection. Measles is recognized as one of the most contagious diseases globally; however, thanks to an effective vaccination program, health officials declared the disease eliminated from the United States 25 years ago. While isolated cases continue to emerge, high immunization levels help keep the risk of widespread outbreaks low.
Despite the overall success of vaccination efforts, public health officials are warning local health departments to remain vigilant for new cases as the spring and summer travel season approaches. Slipping immunization rates in certain regions, combined with vaccine skepticism, are contributing factors that allow the disease to resurface. The recent Maryland case follows the tragic death of an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico who tested positive for measles but had not sought medical care prior to their death. Additionally, a healthy 6-year-old child died after contracting the disease, further highlighting the risks associated with low vaccination rates.
Last year, measles was also detected in Maryland amid a global rise in cases, and Virginia health officials reported that an unvaccinated child contracted the disease while traveling internationally in 2022. The CDC continues to recommend vaccination as the most effective defense against measles infections, urging communities to maintain high immunization coverage to prevent further outbreaks.
