Confirmed Measles Case Found At PG County School

OXON HILL, MD — A confirmed case of measles has been found at John Hanson Montessori School in Prince George's County, according to officials.

In a letter sent to parents and staff, Superintendent Millard House II said the last known exposure on campus occurred on March 12. He did not specify whether the individual was a student or staff member.

"The health and safety of our students and staff remain our top priority," House said. "We are actively monitoring the situation in close coordination with PGHD, tracking cases, and implementing necessary precautions."

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus and typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms.

The virus can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children, health officials said.

Measles can be prevented with the MMR vaccine. Two doses are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles, while one dose is about 93 percent effective, county health officials said.

Two Prince George’s County residents who recently traveled together internationally also recently tested positive for measles, possibly exposing people who used two Northern Virginia airports or went to a medical clinic, the Maryland Department of Health said this week.

These cases are not associated with a Howard County resident who traveled out of the county and contracted measles earlier this month, or the measles outbreak in New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma.

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