Maryland declares measles outbreak in three counties, cites vaccination need

The Maryland Department of Health confirmed a measles outbreak on Monday in St. Mary’s, Carroll and Cecil counties after identifying 14 new cases among unvaccinated residents. The agency said there is no evidence of widespread community transmission, bringing the state’s total confirmed cases for the year to 31, with 27 occurring in people who have not been vaccinated.

Infectious disease physician Alexandra Yont of Children’s National Hospital emphasized the virus’s high contagion rate, stating that a single infected individual can transmit measles to 10 to 13 unprotected people. She noted that while most children recover, about 1% of cases require hospitalization for pneumonia, and a small number develop encephalitis, which can cause seizures and lasting brain damage. Yont added that unvaccinated individuals have roughly a 90% chance of infection after exposure, with a mortality rate of 1% to 2%.

"It’s our job and if you value human life to protect our immune-compromised vulnerable neighbors," Yont said, referring to the heightened risk for immunocompromised patients such as those undergoing cancer treatment.

The physician recommended the standard measles vaccination schedule: the first dose at 12 months of age and a second dose between four and six years old.