Maryland Measles Count Climbs To 5 Cases

MARYLAND — A fifth case of measles has been reported in Maryland. The latest case was in one of the ZIP codes where other people had already been diagnosed with the illness, according to state health officials.

Measles, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease that was all but eradicated in the United States nine years ago, has climbed to its highest level in 25 years.

As of the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 764 cases of measles reported in the United States, and health officials expect more cases this year. The CDC says it is monitoring outbreaks in nine jurisdictions, including Maryland. It defines an outbreak as three or more cases.

These are the areas with outbreaks as of early May, according to the CDC:

• Maryland
• California, Butte County
• California, LA County
• California, Sacramento County
• Georgia
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• New York State, Rockland County
• New York City

State health officials confirmed the first measles case in Maryland on Friday, April 5.

It and the four subsequent diagnoses since have been in the Pikesville area, specifically in these ZIP codes, according to the Maryland Department of Health: 21208, 21209 and 21215.

Here are previously released dates and locations where people may have been exposed in Maryland:

• 4000 Old Court Road on Tuesday, April 16, from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• 4000 Old Court Road on Sunday, April 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• 4000 Old Court Road on Tuesday, April 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• 1630 Reisterstown Road at Market Maven on Sunday, April 14, from 11:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• 201 Reisterstown Road at Seven Mile Market on Sunday, April 14, from 12:45 to 3:15 p.m.

Measles spreads among unvaccinated people through coughing, sneezing and secretions from the mouth. Experts say it may remain in the air for up to two hours.

For most people, measles causes fever, runny nose, cough and a rash that covers the body. In a small fraction of cases, complications such as pneumonia and dangerous swelling of the brain can occur. The sickness is especially dangerous for babies and young children.

SEE ALSO: U.S. Measles Outbreak: Here's Who Needs A Vaccine

This article includes reporting from Feroze Dhanoa. Graph above courtesy of the CDC.