A Howard County resident returning from international travel tested positive for measles according to an announcement from The Maryland Department of Health and Howard County health officials on Sunday, March 9.
Health officials are alerting of exposure warnings for those who visited: Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department on March 7, between 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m; or Washington Dulles International Airport: Terminal A, on transportation to the main terminal and in the baggage claim area, on March 5, from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
“This is ridiculous,” one social media user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, questioning travel restrictions and requirements regarding measles.
Other states have pinned a recent measles outbreak, with roughly 200 cases reported in West Texas and 30 measles cases in New Mexico, according to The Associated Press.
Measles is an extremely contagious airborne disease caused by a viral infection that causes severe complications and, in extreme cases, death. Symptoms of the infection typically present with fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), sore throat, fatigue, and rashes, among other complications.
There is no specific cure for measles, although measures can be taken to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Vaccination shots commonly help to keep immune from the virus.
In most cases, symptoms are expected to develop roughly 10-14 days after exposure to the virus, with chances of developing as soon as seven days to the extent of 21 days after exposure.
The Maryland Department of Health and Howard County health officials recommend that those with potential symptoms quarantine from the public and reach out for medical advice and assistance.
“People who develop a fever or other symptoms of measles should not go to childcare, school, work, or out in public, and should contact their health care provider,” according to the statement. “They should call their health care provider first rather than showing up in the waiting room or emergency room so that the office can take measures to prevent spread to other patients.”
