MARYLAND (WBFF) — The Maryland Department of Health has declared a measles outbreak in St. Mary’s, Carroll and Cecil counties after confirming 14 new cases among unvaccinated residents.
Health officials said Monday that no public exposures have been identified in the newly confirmed cases, and there is no evidence of widespread community transmission. Most of the cases have involved household contacts, according to the department.
ALSO READ | Anne Arundel County police warn of airbag thefts targeting Hondas
Maryland has confirmed 31 measles cases so far this year, including 27 since July 15. All 27 of those recent cases involved unvaccinated residents, officials said.
The recent cases were reported in:
Four other cases confirmed before July 15 involved residents of Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Prince George’s counties.
To protect the individuals’ privacy, the Maryland Department of Health did not provide any additional information about the patients.
Measles is highly contagious and we are actively working with healthcare professionals and local health departments to support impacted communities, respond to cases and mitigate further spread,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “The overall risk remains low if you are fully vaccinated. We ask that Marylanders join us in our effort to help keep our youngest safe and protect those who are most at risk. Checking your vaccination status and getting vaccinated if you are not up-to-date is the simplest and most effective way to do that.
State health officials said unvaccinated people have a 90% chance of becoming infected after exposure to measles.
They urged Marylanders to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated if they are not up to date.
The MMR vaccine is routinely recommended for children at 12 to 15 months old, followed by a second dose between ages 4 and 6. An early dose may be considered for infants ages 6 to 11 months who live in or are traveling to an outbreak area.
ALSO READ | Two people arrested in Dundalk shooting investigation
Adults should have at least one documented MMR dose, while some higher-risk adults may need two doses if they do not have other evidence of immunity.
More than 106,000 MMR vaccines have been administered in Maryland so far this year, including more than 24,000 since July 1, the department said.
Residents can contact their health care provider or use the state’s My Immunization Record system to check their vaccination status.
Local Story
