The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) announced on Wednesday that five individuals in Central Maryland have tested positive for measles. These cases are connected to recent travel to an area in the United States currently experiencing a measles outbreak.
Officials are urging Maryland residents to be vigilant for symptoms of the disease, as well as to ensure that their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations are up to date. Measles is known for its high contagion rate, spreading easily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breathes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left the vicinity.
Individuals who visited the Carroll Hospital Center Emergency Department Waiting Room in Westminster, MD, on July 13, 2026, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. may have been exposed to the virus.
Those who believe they may have been in contact with the virus are advised to check their vaccination status. Generally, individuals who have received two doses of an MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 are considered immune. If someone is not vaccinated or unsure of their immunity, they should contact their healthcare provider or local health department promptly to discuss potential post-exposure treatments.
Symptoms of measles typically manifest 10 to 14 days after exposure, but can appear as soon as seven days or as late as 21 days. Early signs include a fever exceeding 101 degrees Fahrenheit, a runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes, followed by a red rash that spreads across the body.
To mitigate the spread of measles, individuals exhibiting symptoms should refrain from attending work, school, or public places and should consult their healthcare provider prior to visiting any healthcare facility.
In total, Maryland has recorded nine measles cases in 2026, including the five recently confirmed cases. The state reported three cases in 2025, one in 2024, and one in 2023. The MDH emphasizes the importance of vaccination, recommending that eligible individuals receive the MMR vaccine, which is typically administered in two doses during childhood.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).
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