Maryland Adds 5 New Measles Cases As Total Nears Double Digits

The Maryland Department of Health confirmed Wednesday that five residents tested positive for measles, bringing the state's total tally for the year to nine cases.

A release issued by the agency said the residents were from Central Maryland, and that they had "recently traveled together to a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak."

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Officials warn that anyone who visited the waiting room of the Carroll Hospital Center Emergency Department on Monday between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. may have been exposed.

The hospital is located in Westminster at 200 Memorial Ave.

The department is not releasing any additional information on the cases.

Early signs of measles range from a fever exceeding 101 degrees, a rash, and cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes.

What To Do If You Were Exposed

Considered a highly contagious disease, health officials say residents should do the following if they believe they were exposed:

• Find out whether you have been vaccinated for measles or previously had measles. If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or were born before 1957, you are generally considered protected. To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or securely request your records online via My Immunization Record (MyIR).
• If you are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles (e.g., you already had measles) and you might have been exposed, call your healthcare provider or your local health department as soon as possible to discuss the best next steps for you, as you may qualify for post-exposure treatments.
• People, especially those not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles, who were at this location during the possible exposure times should monitor themselves for any early symptoms of measles for 21 days after the potential exposure.
• Exposed individuals who develop a fever or other symptoms of measles should not go to child care, school, work, or public places and should contact their healthcare provider. They should call their healthcare provider before going to a waiting room or emergency department so that the facility can take measures to prevent measles from spreading to others.

Residents can find additional information about measles online at the MDH's website.