Five individuals from Carroll County have been diagnosed with measles after visiting a high-risk area outside of Maryland, according to a statement from the Maryland Department of Health released on Wednesday.
Health officials have advised that anyone who spent time in the emergency department waiting room at Carroll Hospital Center on Monday between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. may have been exposed to the virus.
Measles is known for its high contagiousness and can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. State health officials recommend that those who might have been exposed keep an eye out for symptoms such as cough, fever, runny nose, red rash, and watery eyes.
Individuals who are fully vaccinated, specifically those who have received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, are considered to have protection against the disease. However, unvaccinated individuals are encouraged to reach out to their healthcare provider for guidance.
As of now, Maryland has recorded a total of nine confirmed measles cases in 2026. The first case was identified in a Baltimore-area resident in April, followed by two additional cases a week later. In June, another Maryland resident contracted measles after traveling internationally.
This year's spike in cases is notable, as the state reported only five cases over the last five years.
Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).
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