Maryland resident has confirmed case of measles, the primary case within the state since 2019

CNN
—

A Maryland resident has a confirmed case of measles, the state’s first case of the infectious illness since 2019, according to a news release from Montgomery County.

The county suggested anybody who visited the Cabin John Ice Rink in Bethesda on Might 24 or knowledgeable workplace in Gaithersburg on Might 30 might have been uncovered to measles.

Measles is a extremely contagious viral sickness, which may unfold by means of the air when an contaminated individual coughs or sneezes or shares germs by touching objects or surfaces. Even after an contaminated individual leaves a room, the measles virus can dwell for as much as two hours within the air.

The illness begins with signs typical of many respiratory diseases, adopted by a attribute rash which often seems on the face and spreads downward three to 5 days after signs start.

Measles was declared eradicated from the US in 2000, because of an intensive vaccination program, according to the US CDC’s website.

Even when a illness is eradicated, outbreaks can nonetheless happen if an unvaccinated individual travels to or from a rustic the place the illness continues to be widespread, turns into contaminated and brings it again to the US, introducing the virus right into a group. The traveler can transmit measles to anybody who’s unvaccinated.

Within the US, greater than 90% of kids have been vaccinated towards measles, mumps and rubella by age 2, in keeping with the CDC. Two doses of the vaccine are 97% efficient towards measles, in keeping with the CDC.

Nonetheless, vaccination charges within the US have dropped in recent times, sparking new outbreaks.

There have been 10 measles circumstances this yr within the US as of April 28, the CDC reported.

There have been 121 circumstances of measles in 2022, with many centered on an outbreak in central Ohiosending 36 kids to the hospital. The final vital measles outbreak within the US was in 2018-2019 in Rockland County, New York, centered amongst unvaccinated children in Orthodox Jewish communities.