Maryland confirms 5 measles cases: What we know

Five Central Maryland residents have tested positive for measles after traveling together to a location in the United States where an active outbreak is underway, the Maryland Department of Health announced Thursday.

What’s Happening: The five cases bring Maryland’s total to nine confirmed measles infections in 2026. Health officials are working to identify and notify anyone who may have come into contact with the infected residents.

Possible exposure site: Anyone who visited the Carroll Hospital Center Emergency Department waiting room at 200 Memorial Ave. in Westminster between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. July 13 may have been exposed.

What to Do: People who were at that location during those hours should:

• Check their vaccination status by contacting a healthcare provider or requesting records through the state’s My Immunization Record portal.
• Watch for symptoms for 21 days after the potential exposure.
• Call a doctor before going to an emergency room or waiting room if symptoms develop, so the facility can take steps to prevent further spread.

Symptoms to watch for: Early signs include a fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. A red rash typically appears on the face one to four days later and spreads to the rest of the body. Symptoms can develop anywhere from seven to 21 days after exposure, with the typical window being 10 to 14 days.

How This Affects Real People: A person with measles is contagious starting four days before the rash appears through four days after it begins. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated and believes they were exposed should not go to work, school, or public places if they develop a fever or other symptoms.

Catch Up Quick: Maryland recorded three measles cases in 2025, one in 2024, and one in 2023. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine are generally considered full protection. People born before 1957 are also considered protected. The vaccine is covered by most insurance plans and is available at no cost through the Vaccines for Children Program. Uninsured or underinsured adults can contact their local health department about free vaccines through the Maryland Vaccine Program.