Measles Cases Confirmed in Maryland: Here's What You Need to Know

State of MD - Two cases of measles have been confirmed in Maryland residents living in the Baltimore metro area. The Maryland Department of Health made the announcement this week, saying both individuals had recently traveled out of state to areas where measles was actively spreading.

Health officials are still working to find out exactly where the exposure happened. At this time, there is no known connection between these two cases and a separate measles case that was reported on April 19, 2026, which involved someone who had traveled internationally.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases out there. It spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can actually linger in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left the room.

Because of how easily it spreads, health officials have identified several locations in the Baltimore and Annapolis areas where people may have been exposed. If you were at any of these places during the listed dates and times, you could have come into contact with the virus.

Possible Exposure Locations:

• Giant Foods Pasadena (4315 Mountain Rd., Pasadena) - April 12, 2026, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Bean Rush Cafe (1121A Annapolis St., Annapolis) - April 14, 2026, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• 2062 Generals Highway, Annapolis - April 15, 2026, 1 - 4:30 p.m.
• Whole Foods Annapolis (200 Harker Pl., Ste. 100, Annapolis) - April 15, 2026, 3:30 - 6:15 p.m.
• 181 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis - April 20, 2026, 4 - 7 p.m.
• Arnold Professional Building (1521 Ritchie Highway, Arnold) - April 15, 2026, 1 - 3:40 p.m.
• Arnold Professional Center (1509 Ritchie Highway, Arnold) - April 16, 2026, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., and/or April 20, 2026, 10:50 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Oakwood Professional Building (7845 Oakwood Rd., Glen Burnie) - April 14, 2026, 4 - 7:15 p.m.; April 15, 2026, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.; and/or April 20, 2026, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Baltimore Washington Medical Center Emergency Department (301 Hospital Dr., Glen Burnie) - April 20, 2026, 9:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Patient First Pasadena (8105 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena) - April 21, 2026, 11:45 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  

What Are the Symptoms?
Early signs of measles include a fever over 101°F, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. A few days after those symptoms appear, a red rash usually shows up on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.

Symptoms can develop anywhere from 7 to 21 days after being exposed, but most people start feeling sick within 10 to 14 days. It's important to know that a person with measles can spread it to others starting four days before the rash even appears.

What Should You Do?
If you were at any of the locations listed above during those times, start by checking your vaccination status. People who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, or who were born before 1957, are generally considered protected. You can check your records by contacting your doctor or looking them up online through Maryland's MyIR portal.

If you are not fully vaccinated and think you may have been exposed, do not go to a waiting room or emergency department without calling ahead first. Let your provider know so they can take steps to keep others safe.

Anyone who was possibly exposed should watch for symptoms for 21 days after the potential exposure. If you develop a fever or any other symptoms, stay home and call your doctor before leaving the house.

If your possible exposure happened on or after April 18, 2026, you may qualify for post-exposure treatment. Contact your local health department as soon as possible to find out your options.

Getting Vaccinated
The MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles. It is recommended for children at 12 to 15 months for the first dose, and again at 4 to 6 years old for the second dose. In some cases, an early dose may be given between 6 and 12 months if travel to a high-risk area is planned.

The vaccine is covered by most health insurance plans and is also available through the Vaccines for Children Program. Adults who are uninsured or underinsured can check with their local health department about getting a free MMR vaccine through the Maryland Vaccine Program.

Maryland Department of Health Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Meg Sullivan stressed the importance of staying up to date on vaccines. "Vaccination remains essential to protecting ourselves, our families, and our communities against measles and other infectious diseases," she said. "Talk with your healthcare provider to ensure you and your family are up to date with all recommended vaccines, including the MMR vaccine."

Measles cases in Maryland are not common, but they do happen. The state saw three cases in 2025, one in 2024, one in 2023, and none between 2020 and 2022. Before this latest announcement, one other Maryland resident had already been confirmed with measles in 2026, connected to international travel.

If you have questions or concerns, reach out to your healthcare provider or contact the Maryland Department of Health for guidance.