BALTIMORE -- Health officials are contacting people who were treated at a Rockville hospital at the same time a person with measles was in the emergency room last weekend.
Shady Grove Adventist Hospital treated an adult with measles April 5 through April 7 in the emergency room and short stay unit.
Frances Phillips, deputy secretary for public health with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, said Friday night that measles is a serious illness and anyone who was exposed should receive preventive treatment.
People who have had immunizations against measles or had the disease are not at risk, she said.
"Three groups of patients are of concern," she said. "Those with suppressed immune systems, pregnant women and any child under 15 months."
Health officials say there have been four cases -- three adults and one infant -- of measles reported in Montgomery County since February. In 2008, there were no reported cases of measles in Maryland.
Officials believe the outbreak began with an unvaccinated adult returning from foreign travel.
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Phillips say anyone who was in the emergency room or short stay unit at Shady Grove last weekend will be interviewed to assess their risk of contracting measles.
Montgomery County officials said in a news release that measles is highly contagious. The disease is spread through the air when someone with measles coughs or sneezes, and by direct contact with infected nose or throat secretions.
People with a rash that starts on the face and neck, and then spreads; high fever; runny nose; red or watery eyes; or cough should call a doctor's office or hospital emergency department for instructions before going in for evaluation, health officials said. And they should stay away from others until risk is assessed.
