Maryland Health Officials Confirm Measles Exposure on Public Transit

State of Maryland - The Maryland Department of Health has notified the public of a confirmed measles case involving a traveler who passed through the state. The individual was infectious while using public transportation between late January 7 and early January 8, 2026. Health officials are urging anyone who may have been in the affected areas to monitor their health status.

Potential exposure sites include specific Amtrak and shuttle services. The individual traveled on the Amtrak Northeast Regional Train from Philadelphia 30th Street Station to Washington, D.C. Union Station on January 7 between 9:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

Additional exposures may have occurred on the Amtrak BWI Shuttle and the BWI Airport Parking Shuttle between 10:45 p.m. on January 7 and 2:00 a.m. on January 8. Officials confirmed that no exposure risks were identified inside the actual terminals of BWI Airport.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can also transmit through contact with infectious droplets. Those who were on these specific transit routes during the listed times should verify their vaccination status immediately. People born before 1957 or those who have received two doses of a measles vaccine are generally considered protected.

Individuals who are unvaccinated or unsure of their immunity should contact a healthcare provider or local health department. It is crucial to call ahead before visiting a medical facility to allow staff to prepare and prevent further spread.

Exposed individuals should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days. Early signs include a fever over 101 degrees, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically starts on the face.

"Vaccination remains essential to protecting ourselves, our families, and our communities against measles and other infectious diseases," said Maryland Department of Health Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Meg Sullivan. "These types of situations underscore the importance of knowing your vaccination status and ensuring you are up to date with all recommended vaccines."

While measles cases in Maryland are sporadic, they do occur. Data shows there were three identified cases in 2025, one in 2024, and one in 2023. This notification marks the first identified risk for 2026.