A Health Alert: Potential Measles Exposure in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Health has issued a critical alert regarding a potential measles exposure. A confirmed case of measles was detected in an individual who traveled through Maryland on January 7-8, 2026, while infectious. This is a serious concern as measles is a highly contagious disease, easily spread through the air and direct contact.
Public Conveyances Affected:
- Amtrak NE Regional Train: From Philadelphia 30th Street Station to Washington, DC Union Station, between 9 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on January 7, 2026.
- Amtrak BWI Shuttle: To and from BWI Airport, departing at 10:45 p.m. on January 7, 2026, and arriving before 1:30 a.m. on January 8, 2026.
- BWI Airport Parking Shuttle: To and from the lower-level outside BWI Airport and the long-term parking lots, between 11 p.m. on January 7, 2026, and 2 a.m. on January 8, 2026.
Important Note: No exposure was reported inside the BWI Airport terminals.
Exposure Outside Maryland:
Exposures also occurred in other states, and these states will provide relevant information.
Understanding Exposure Risk:
If you were not present at the mentioned locations during the specified dates and times, you are not at risk of exposure. Measles transmission requires close contact with an infectious individual.
What to Do If You Think You Might Be Exposed:
- Check Your Vaccination Status: Contact your healthcare provider or use online resources like My Immunization Record (MyIR) to verify your measles vaccination status. Two doses of the measles vaccine or being born before 1957 typically provide immunity.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you are not fully vaccinated or immune, contact your healthcare provider or local health department for guidance on the next steps.
- Monitor for Symptoms: Keep an eye out for early symptoms of measles, including fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes, for 21 days after potential exposure.
- Isolating and Seeking Medical Attention: If symptoms appear, stay at home, avoid public spaces, and contact your healthcare provider immediately. Inform them of your potential exposure to prevent further spread.
Measles Symptoms and Transmission:
Measles symptoms typically appear 10-14 days after exposure but can occur as early as 7 days and as late as 21 days later. The contagious period begins 4 days before the rash and ends 4 days after it appears. Early symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash.
The Importance of Vaccination:
Dr. Meg Sullivan, Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services at the Maryland Department of Health, emphasizes the critical role of vaccination in protecting individuals, families, and communities from measles and other infectious diseases. Staying up-to-date with recommended vaccines is essential.
Measles Cases in Maryland:
Measles cases in Maryland have been sporadic. There were no cases in 2026, three in 2025, one in 2024, one in 2023, and none from 2020-2022.
For more information and updates, visit the Maryland Department of Health website.
