Maryland confirms 2 new measles cases, warns of possible exposures - WTOP

What the report says

WTOP reported that Maryland health officials confirmed three new measles cases this week, bringing the state’s total to 12 for the year. Two of the cases involve Southern Maryland residents who had recently traveled to a part of the United States with an active outbreak, according to the Maryland Department of Health. The state had confirmed five additional cases the previous week.

The department said it is notifying people who may have been exposed. Possible exposure sites tied to the two travelers include J&R Feeds LLC in Mechanicsville from July 16 through July 21; MedStar Health Urgent Care in Charlotte Hall on July 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.; and the MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital emergency room in Leonardtown on July 21 from 11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. A third case, confirmed Thursday, may have exposed people in the Carroll Hospital emergency department waiting room in Westminster on July 21 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Officials advised anyone who was at those places during the listed windows, especially people who are not fully vaccinated, to watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Early signs can include fever above 101 degrees, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed days later by a rash that often begins on the face.

Measles is highly contagious and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. Health officials said people with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or those born before 1957, are generally considered protected.