Measles Warning Issued for Rehoboth Beach Area

Sussex County DE - The Delaware Division of Public Health has issued a community-wide alert after an out-of-state visitor with measles traveled through the greater Rehoboth Beach area on September 4, 2026.

The person visited an unknown number of stores and restaurants during the visit.

Health officials say the individual had not yet developed symptoms at the time but was believed to be contagious. Because all the locations cannot be confirmed, DPH decided to notify the whole community instead of naming specific businesses.

DPH also said the notification came in after the window when preventive treatment would have worked. Officials are using this as a reminder for eligible residents to make sure their vaccinations are current.

Anyone who was in the greater Rehoboth Beach area on September 4 should watch for early signs of measles. These include fever, cough, runny nose and pink eye, which usually last two to four days before a rash shows up.

The rash typically appears three to five days after the first symptoms start. It usually begins on the face before spreading down the rest of the body.

If you develop symptoms and think you may have been exposed, health officials say to isolate yourself right away. You should also contact your health care provider to report your symptoms and possible exposure.

If symptoms become severe, seek medical care immediately. Be sure to tell emergency responders and health care staff about the possible measles exposure so they can take proper precautions.

DPH recommends calling ahead before going to any medical facility. This gives staff time to prepare, which may include using a separate entrance for your arrival.

If you do not have a regular health care provider, you can contact a public health clinic for help.

This exposure comes as measles cases continue to rise across the country. Delaware is one of several states in the region currently dealing with a measles outbreak.

Health officials say vaccination remains the best defense against the disease. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles.

Delaware residents are encouraged to check their own vaccination status, along with their children's. This can be done through the DelVAX Public Portal.

Anyone who cannot find their records through DelVAX can reach out to their health care provider for more information.