Person Diagnosed With Measles In Montgomery County

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Montgomery County health officials are investigating a confirmed case of measles in the county, according to an announcement made Thursday.

The unidentified individual contracted measles outside of the U.S., but developed symptoms while home in Montgomery County, officials said.

The person visited the following locations while infected:

• Tuesday, May 15: International arrivals and baggage claim area at Dulles International Airport in Virginia, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, May 17: Nordstrom Rack, at 15760 Shady Grove Rd., Gaithersburg, from 3 to 6 p.m.
• Friday, May 18: Hearing Room 2K, Second Floor, South Tower,Circuit Court of Maryland, at 50 Maryland Ave., Rockville, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A confirmed diagnosis was received Wednesday, officials said. The person is currently under medical care.

While most people in the United States are vaccinated against measles, exposure poses potential risk to those who have not been vaccinated.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that is spread through the air when someone with measles coughs or sneezes (and by direct contact with infected nose or throat secretions).

Symptoms usually appear in two stages, health officials said. In the first stage, most people develop a fever greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery eyes and a cough. The second stage begins around the third to seventh day when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads over the entire body. Some people may develop symptoms up to 21 days after exposure.

If you notice the symptoms of measles, immediately limit your exposure to other people. Individuals who are concerned about possible exposure and vulnerability to measles should contact their primary health care provider or local health department before visiting a provider office or health care facility.

If you have received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, you carry a very low risk of measles infection. If you have not received a dose of the vaccine, you might be at risk of measles infection.

Vaccination with MMR is recommended for all children, with the first dose given at about one year of age and a second dose between ages four and six—before the child enters kindergarten. The second dose is critically important to ensure protection from measles. Individuals 12 months and older can receive MMR vaccine.

Anyone with questions or concerns can call 240-777-1755 or the department's Crisis Center after hours or weekend line at 240-777-4000.

For more information about measles, visit www.cdc.gov/measles.

Photo via Shutterstock