A Montgomery County resident has been diagnosed with measles after returning from an international trip, according to an announcement by the Maryland Department of Health on Thursday. Concerns have risen as the infected individual visited several public places, potentially exposing others to the highly contagious virus.
Here is a list of the locations visited by the infected person:
1. Washington Dulles International Airport International Terminal: On Jan. 27, from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
2. Claridge House apartments at 2445 Lyttonsville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910: On Jan. 27, from 7:30 a.m. to 10a.m., Jan. 27, from 6 p.m. to Jan. 28 at 1 a.m., and Jan. 29 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m
3. Suburban Hospital Emergency Department: On Jan. 27, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Individuals who were present at these locations during the specified times are advised to monitor themselves for any early symptoms of measles. The health department recommends that those who develop symptoms, such as fever, red eyes, runny nose, cough, and a characteristic red rash, should avoid public spaces and contact their healthcare provider.
Measles symptoms typically appear within 10 to 14 days of exposure, with an onset window ranging between seven and 21 days. Although measles is preventable through vaccination, certain groups, including pregnant women, the elderly, infants, and immunocompromised individuals, are more vulnerable.
This incident follows a previous measles exposure risk at Dulles Airport on Jan. 3 and Reagan National Airport on Jan. 4, highlighting the challenges associated with international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported a surge in measles cases in the U.S., with 23 confirmed cases between Dec. 1, 2023, and Jan. 23, 2024.
As health authorities remain vigilant, it is crucial for the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of measles.
