BALTIMORE (AP) - Maryland's health department has confirmed a third case of measles amid a national surge of the acute viral respiratory illness.
Frances Phillips, the state's deputy secretary for public health, says it's "concerning that three cases of measles have been identified in Maryland in such a short period of time."
Health officials announced the state's first case this year about two weeks ago.
U.S. measles cases are on pace to set a record for most illnesses in 25 years. Health officials earlier this week announced that over 550 measles cases have been confirmed so far this year, with New York being the epicenter.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children get two doses of measles vaccine, which is 97% effective.
