Returning From Abroad? Marylanders Need To Know: Measles Alert For Travelers From High-Risk Countries

As the warmer months approach, many Marylanders are eager to pack their bags and embark on their next international adventure. While traveling can be a wonderful experience, it's essential for Marylanders to be aware of the current measles alert and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.

The measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening illness that can spread rapidly in areas with low vaccination rates or lack of medical care. In recent years, measles outbreaks have been reported in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Africa.

As a Marylander returning from abroad, it's crucial to understand the risks and take proactive measures to ensure your health and safety. In this article, we'll delve into the details of the measles alert, its implications for Marylanders, and provide guidance on how to protect yourself and your family.

Understanding the Measles Alert

The measles alert is primarily aimed at travelers from high-risk countries, which are currently experiencing high levels of measles transmission. These countries include:

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Angola
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bangladesh
• Belarus
• Benin
• Bhutan
• Bolivia
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• China
• Colombia
• Comoros
• Congo (Brazzaville)
• Congo (Kinshasa)
• Costa Rica
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Djibouti
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• El Salvador
• Eritrea
• Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
• Ethiopia
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Georgia
• Ghana
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Kiribati
• North Korea
• South Korea
• Kosovo
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Libya
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mali
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritania
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Micronesia
• Moldova
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Myanmar (Burma)
• Namibia
• Nauru
• Nepal
• Nicaragua
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Palau
• Panama
• Papua New Guinea
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Philippines
• Poland
• Portugal
• Qatar
• Romania
• Russia
• Rwanda
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Samoa
• San Marino
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Serbia
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Singapore
• Sint Maarten (Dutch part)
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Solomon Islands
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Spain
• Sri Lanka
• Sudan
• Suriname
• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Tanzania
• Timor-Leste (East Timor)
• Togo
• Tonga
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Turkmenistan
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Vatican City
• Venezuela
• Vietnam
• Yemen

If you've recently traveled to any of these countries, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if you've been exposed to measles.

What Are the Symptoms of Measles?

The measles virus can cause a range of symptoms, which typically begin 7-14 days after exposure. These symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red eyes
• Rash (which typically starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body)
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes

If left untreated, measles can lead to serious complications, including:

• Ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Death

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

If you've recently traveled to a high-risk country or have been exposed to measles, it's crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and your family. Here are some steps you can take:

Immediate Action

If you're experiencing any symptoms of measles, such as a rash, fever, or cough, seek medical attention immediately.

Vaccination

Get vaccinated against measles as soon as possible. The measles vaccine is available at most healthcare providers, and it's the most effective way to prevent measles.

Close Contact Precautions

If you've been exposed to measles, take the following precautions to prevent transmission:

• Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are immunocompromised or pregnant
• Wear a mask when interacting with others
• Avoid sharing food, drinks, or personal items with others
• Practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently

Preventing Transmission in Your Home

If someone in your household has been diagnosed with measles, take the following precautions to prevent transmission:

• Keep your child home from school or daycare
• Avoid letting your child interact with others, especially those who are immunocompromised or pregnant
• Wash your child's hands frequently with soap and water
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that your child has come into