Maryland health officials are warning people in Catonsville, Easton and Baltimore to be on the lookout for symptoms of measles after the first case since 2009 was reported in the state.
Measles has become rare because there is a vaccine that is widely used. But measles is contagious, and an infected person may have potentially exposed others from May 31 through June 5, according to the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Measles surfaces in two stages, according to Dr. David Blythe, a state epidemiologist. First is runny nose, watery eyes, fever and a cough. The second phase, on the third to seventh day, is a rash starting at the scalp. He said those with these symptoms should stay out of public and call their doctor for instructions.
People may have been exposed:
• May 31 at the Giant grocery store, 6223 Baltimore National Pike, in Catonsville, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. and at the Montgomery Plaza Liquors, 6225 Baltimore National Pike in Catonsville from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
• June 1 at Catonsville High School Graduation and the UMBC RAC Center from 6 p.m.-11 p.m.
•June 2 at the Applebee's Restaurant, 8999 Ocean Gateway Drive in Easton, from 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m.
•June 3 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards beginning at 7 p.m. and MTA Light Rail from 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m. June 4.
Officials expect that after June 24, no one else will likely come down with measles. It's rarely deadly, unless those infected have a compromised immune system. Those who may have been exposed and are infants, unvaccinated pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems should contact their doctors. Immune Globulin may prevent measles if given within 6 days.
"It's really uncommon here because we have such a high vaccination rate," said Blythe. "But it's still around. If you notice symptoms, call you health care provider."
There were four cases in the state in 2009 and none last year. In the last year, there have also been cases in Virginia and New York.
