ELKRIDGE, MD – A Howard County resident has tested positive for measles after returning from international travel, raising concerns about potential exposure at Dulles International Airport in Virginia and a hospital emergency department in Maryland. The Maryland Department of Health and Howard County health officials are urging individuals who may have come into contact with the infected person to take precautions due to the highly-contagious nature of the disease.

Health authorities from both states are working together to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed, especially passengers who were on specific flights. Those who visited Dulles International Airport in Terminal A on March 5 between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., as well as the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department on March 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., are advised to be vigilant for symptoms of measles.

The Virginia Department of Health emphasized the importance of vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) to reduce the risk of contracting the disease. It is essential for individuals who have not been vaccinated to seek guidance from healthcare providers if they suspect exposure to measles.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can easily spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, making it crucial for those who may have been exposed to monitor their health and seek medical advice promptly. Symptoms typically include fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a distinctive red rash that appears on the face and eventually spreads to the entire body.

Individuals who are unsure of their vaccination status or who fall into high-risk categories, such as pregnant women, infants, and immunocompromised individuals, are urged to consult healthcare professionals for further evaluation. Authorities stress the importance of early detection and prevention to limit the potential transmission of measles within the community.

For more information or if you suspect exposure to measles, contact the Howard County Health Department’s Infectious Disease Surveillance and Response Program at 410-313-6284 or the Virginia Department of Health at (804) 363-2704, or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov. It is crucial to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing potential health risks posed by contagious diseases like measles.