Maryland health officials have confirmed a fourth case of measles in the state, the Department of Health said Friday afternoon.
The case is the fourth to emerge this month and the third this week; cases were also announced Tuesday and Wednesday. The first case this month was publicized April 5.
In the most recent case, anyone who visited 4000 Old Court Road in Pikesville on Tuesday from 9:15 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. may have been exposed to measles, health officials said.
People who may have been exposed at additional locations are being notified directly, officials said.
Measles cases in Maryland have been found in a small area in zip codes 21208, 21209 and 21215, officials said.
"While the outbreak is currently localized to a small area of the state, the best way to prevent measles in Maryland, or anywhere people might travel, is through vaccination," said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Frances B. Phillips in a release from the Maryland Department of Health. "We continue to encourage all Marylanders to get vaccinated or check with their health care providers to ensure they and their families are up-to-date on vaccinations."
Residents who are healthy and know they've had two doses of the MMR vaccine do not need to worry or take any additional action, the health department said. However, residents who have had the vaccine but have weakened immune systems should seek a doctor right away if they think they have been exposed.
