Video Transcript:
Hello, colleagues. I’m Tonii Gedin, the Health Officer for the Anne Arundel County Department of Health.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, but it can also be preventable. When our community's vaccination rates remain high, we have the power to stop outbreaks in their tracks and protect our most vulnerable residents—especially infants, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised.
This year, the Maryland Department of Health confirmed cases within the Baltimore Metro Area.
Because of the historical success of vaccines, many of us have not had to manage a live measles case in our clinics in years. With the first confirmed cases of 2026 we must restore our collective, heightened awareness.
Today, I am asking for your partnership in preventing further spread, beginning with a renewed commitment to on-time vaccination, early detection, and immediate isolation.
Clinical Presentations and Immediate Actions
We are asking all front-line providers— to maintain a high index of suspicion, regardless of vaccination status. Look out for patients presenting with clinically compatible symptoms: a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, accompanied by the classic 'three Cs'—cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis. This is followed by a maculopapular rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward cephalocaudally.
Be particularly vigilant with patients who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised, or who have recently traveled internationally or to areas with active outbreaks within the United States.
If you suspect measles, do not delay clinical management or isolation while waiting for laboratory confirmation. Advise the patient to isolate immediately. Remember, this virus is airborne and can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an enclosed space. Protect your staff and your other patients right away.
Testing Protocols
When testing a suspected case, please follow these exact protocols:
- Collect a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab for PCR testing, along with a serum sample for IgM.
- Avoid testing asymptomatic contacts.
- To expedite containment, we recommend testing through the Maryland Public Health Laboratory. Results are often much quicker than commercial labs, but this must be approved by the Maryland Department of Health beforehand. You can initiate this approval by calling our team at 410-222-7254 or after hours at 443-481-3140.
- If state lab testing is not approved but your suspicion remains high, proceed with commercial laboratory testing. However, if you use a commercial lab, you must notify the Anne Arundel County Department of Health immediately at 410-222-7254 so we can begin tracking.
Reporting and Public Health Response
Measles is reportable immediately by phone. Do not wait for a positive lab result to call us. Contact our Epidemiology Program at 410-222-7254 the moment you suspect a case. We are available after hours for emergent situations and can be reached at 443-481-3140.
Once notified, our department immediately launches a case investigation. We track down close contacts to inform them of exposure, assess their immunity, and identify high-risk individuals—such as infants under 12 months, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised. We will also coordinate Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. This means administering the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure, or arranging Immunoglobulin therapy within 6 days of exposure.
As a reminder, confirmed measles patients must be isolated for four full days after the rash onset, with Day 0 being the day the rash appeared. Isolation safely ends on Day five. Children must not attend school, childcare, or any community activities during this time.
The Importance of Vaccination
Ultimately, vaccination remains our shield. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective after two doses.
Asking about immunization status is important for all age groups—and your own healthcare staff. These conversations are critical to addressing vaccine hesitancy. This is critical as we head into the summer travel months.
- Ensure children receive their first MMR dose at 12 to 15 months, and the second at 4 to 6 years.
- For families traveling internationally, remind them that infants aged 6 through 11 months should receive one early dose of the MMR vaccine.
- Adults without proof of immunity need at least one dose, while high-risk adults—including healthcare workers like ourselves—should have two.
For patients 19 and older who face financial barriers, they may be eligible for free vaccinations through the Maryland Vaccine Program at our Department of Health centers.
By working together, practicing rapid isolation, and communicating early, we can protect our most vulnerable residents.
For continuous clinical updates, visit AAHealth.org/measles or call our Epidemiology Program at 410-222-7254.
Thank you for your clinical vigilance, your partnership, and your unwavering dedication to the health of Anne Arundel County.