The Maryland Department of Health reported a confirmed case of measles in a Baltimore-area resident who recently traveled internationally, marking the first case in the state in 2026.
Health officials are working to identify potential exposures and have listed several locations where individuals may have been exposed, including Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, a Baltimore urgent care facility, and Sinai Hospital. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can remain in the air for up to two hours and spreads through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact.
Officials are urging anyone who may have been exposed to review their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that typically develops days later. Health officials emphasized the importance of vaccination, noting that individuals who are not fully vaccinated should contact their healthcare provider if exposure is suspected. The Maryland Department of Health continues to encourage residents to stay up to date on the MMR vaccine to help prevent the spread of measles.
