Shocking Measles Outbreak: 2 Maryland Residents Infected After Out-of-State Trip—Are You at Risk?

Two Maryland residents from the Baltimore metro area have contracted measles after traveling to a region where the disease is currently spreading, according to the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). This news serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by vaccine-preventable diseases, despite the availability of effective vaccines.

The exact source of infection is still under investigation, with health officials actively working to identify individuals who may have come into contact with the infected residents. Currently, there is no known link between these new cases and an international travel-associated case reported earlier by the MDH.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, breathes, or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, highlighting the importance of vaccination in controlling outbreaks. Direct contact with infected surfaces also poses a significant transmission risk.

Health officials have identified several locations in Maryland where individuals may have been exposed to the virus:

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

For those who may have been in these locations during the specified times, the MDH advises taking immediate action. Individuals should verify their measles vaccination status, which typically requires two doses of a measles-containing vaccine for protection. Those born before 1957 are generally considered immune. To check vaccination status, residents can contact their healthcare providers or access records through My Immunization Record “MyIR.”

Anyone not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune who visited these locations should monitor for early symptoms of measles for up to 21 days post-exposure. Symptoms often start with a fever exceeding 101 degrees Fahrenheit, a runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Approximately one to four days later, a red rash typically appears, beginning at the face and then spreading across the body. Notably, individuals are contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days afterward.

“Vaccination remains essential to protecting ourselves, our families, and our communities against measles and other infectious diseases,” said Dr. Meg Sullivan, Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services at MDH. “Talk with your healthcare provider to ensure you and your family are up to date with all recommended vaccines, including the MMR vaccine.”

The MDH strongly urges all eligible individuals to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first dose is recommended at 12-15 months of age, with a second dose administered between four to six years old. In some cases, a dose may be given as early as six to 12 months for those planning to travel to areas experiencing ongoing measles transmission. Vaccination is generally covered for those with health insurance, and the Vaccines for Children Program provides access to the vaccine for eligible children. Adults without insurance can inquire about free vaccine availability through local health departments as part of the Maryland Vaccine Program.

Measles cases in Maryland are infrequent, with only three cases reported last year, one case identified in 2024, and one in 2023. There were no confirmed cases from 2020 to 2022, aside from one individual who traveled internationally in 2026. The MDH will not disclose further information about the individuals infected with the virus in order to protect their privacy.