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Measles outbreak in Maryland calls attention to the need to get vaccinated, local doctor says
WTOP • • health
Key Points:
- Maryland health officials have declared a measles outbreak in St. Mary’s, Carroll, and Cecil counties after 14 new confirmed cases, mostly among unvaccinated residents.
- There have been 31 confirmed measles cases statewide this year, with 27 involving unvaccinated individuals, primarily in the three affected counties.
- Measles is highly contagious, with one infected person potentially spreading the virus to 10-13 unimmunized individuals, and can lead to serious complications including pneumonia and encephalitis in some children.
- The Maryland Department of Health and infectious disease experts emphasize the importance of vaccination, recommending two doses of the measles vaccine for children at 12 months and between 4-6 years of age.
- People who are immunocompromised, such as cancer patients, are at heightened risk from measles, underscoring the need for community-wide immunization to protect vulnerable populations.
