A person from out of state who had measles visited a Cecil County emergency room last week while still contagious, the Maryland Department of Health said Friday.
What’s Happening: Anyone at the ChristianaCare Union Hospital Emergency Department at 106 Bow St. in Elkton between 3 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. July 30 may have been exposed. The health department is conducting contact tracing to reach people who were there during that window.
What’s Important: Measles spreads through the air and can linger in a room for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. People who are fully vaccinated face a low overall risk.
What to Do: Anyone who was at that location during those hours should watch for symptoms for 21 days. Early signs include fever above 101 degrees, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. A red rash typically appears one to four days after those symptoms begin. Anyone who develops symptoms should stay home and call a doctor before going to any medical facility, so staff can take steps to prevent further spread.
Who Is Most at Risk: Unvaccinated residents or those who are not otherwise immune to measles face the greatest risk. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine are generally considered full protection. People born before 1957 are also generally considered immune. Those who are not fully vaccinated and believe they were exposed should contact a doctor or their local health department as soon as possible, as post-exposure treatment may be available.
By the Numbers: Maryland has confirmed 12 measles cases in 2026. The MMR vaccine is recommended for children at 12 to 15 months for the first dose and again at 4 to 6 years. Standard health insurance plans typically cover it. Uninsured or underinsured adults can contact their local health department to ask about free vaccines through the Maryland Vaccine Program.
Discover more from The Free State Press
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.