Three Maryland Counties on 'Measles Alert'... Health Authorities Strongly Urge Vaccination

Maryland health authorities have officially declared a measles outbreak in three counties—St. Mary's, Carroll, and Cecil—following a surge in measles cases across the state. With infections rising primarily among unvaccinated individuals ahead of the back-to-school season, residents are urged to exercise extra caution.

According to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), a measles alert was issued for St. Mary's, Carroll, and Cecil counties after 14 additional unvaccinated individuals tested positive on the 24th.

A total of 31 confirmed measles cases have been recorded statewide this year. Among them, all 27 cases reported since July 15 were confirmed to be "unvaccinated individuals."

Looking at the breakdown by region (since July 15), there are: ▲ 13 cases in St. Mary's County ▲ 8 cases in Carroll County ▲ 5 cases in Cecil County ▲ 1 case in Charles County. Health authorities stated, "Fortunately, no public community transmission has been confirmed, and most infections occurred through household (cohabitant) contact."

An official from Children's National Hospital explained, "Measles is one of the most contagious viruses, and vaccination is the best defense," adding, "One infected person can spread the disease to 10 to 13 non-immune individuals."

If an unvaccinated person is exposed to the virus, the likelihood of infection reaches up to 90%, and it is dangerous enough that 1–2% of infected individuals may die. Following an incubation period of 7 to 14 days, key symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (pink eye), accompanied by a red rash that starts on the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

For children, the first dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine should be administered at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age.

The Maryland Department of Health announced that it is significantly expanding MMR vaccination access through local health departments, with more than 106,000 MMR vaccine doses administered across the state so far this year.

A health authority official strongly urged, "Ahead of the new school year, please check your children's vaccination records once again, and for those who have not completed their vaccinations, please visit a local health department or primary care provider promptly to get vaccinated."