Juan Herrera
WMAL.com

WASHINGTON (WMAL) – The St. Mary’s County Health Department released a press release on Tuesday stating that the department is investigating a suspected case of measles in the county.

According to the release, a patient in the county was evaluated at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Emergency Department on Sunday, March 3, between 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The patient was evaluated at the site and was isolated as well.

According to the release, the duration of potential exposure may have been from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. within the emergency department. The release also mentioned that MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Emergency Department is working with the Health Department to address this issue.

The health department has established (301)-475-4911 as a local hotline to take questions or concerns from members of the St. Mary’s County community.

Info from the St. Mary’s County Health Department:

What is Measles

Measles is highly contagious. Measles is a serious respiratory disease (in the lungs and breathing tubes) that causes a rash and fever. It is very contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. Measles can live up to two hours in the air where an infected person coughed or sneezed, even after the person has left the area. An infected person can spread measles virus to others even before knowing he/she has measles — from four days before developing the rash to four days after developing the rash.

Symptoms:

• 7 – 14 days after infection:
  • Fever greater than 101 degrees
  • Runny nose
  • Red/watery eyes
  • Cough
• 3-5 days later:
  • A rash of flat red spots begins to appear on the face and spreads downward over the entire body
  • Small red bumps can develop on top of the flat red spots
  • Red spots may join together to form larger red areas

If you notice the symptoms of measles, immediately limit your exposure to other people by staying home.  Individuals who are concerned about possible exposure to or infection with measles should call their primary health care provider before visiting the provider office in order to receive appropriate guidance and take precautions ahead of a visit. If using an emergency department for care, call ahead to let the facility know of your concerns so preparations for your arrival can be made. This reduces the chances of potentially exposing other people to measles. Potentially exposed individuals with questions may call the the hotline at 301-475-4911.

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