New Cases Confirmed
Maryland health officials confirmed three additional measles cases this week, two linked to residents of Southern Maryland who recently traveled to areas of the U.S. experiencing active outbreaks. This brings the state’s total to 12 cases in 2026, following five cases reported last week.
Potential Exposure Locations
The Maryland Department of Health is notifying individuals who may have come into contact with the infected travelers. Possible exposure sites and times include:
- J&R Feeds LLC, Mechanicsville: 16–21 July
- MedStar Health Urgent Care, Charlotte Hall: 20 July, 08:30–13:15
- MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital ER, Leonardtown: 21 July, 11:00–18:45
- Carroll Hospital ER waiting room, Westminster: 21 July, 16:30–18:30
Monitoring and Symptoms
People present at these locations, especially those not fully vaccinated, should monitor for symptoms for 21 days post-exposure. Early symptoms include:
- Fever above 101 °F (38.3 °C)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Red rash appearing days later, typically starting on the face and spreading downward
Individuals developing symptoms should avoid work, school, childcare, and public spaces, and contact a healthcare provider before visiting a clinic or emergency room.
Transmission and Protection
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. The virus can remain airborne up to two hours after the person leaves.
People who have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or were born before 1957 are generally considered protected. Anyone uncertain about their vaccination status should contact a healthcare provider or local health department.
