Measles Alert: Travel Route Through Maryland Exposed

Maryland health officials have issued a warning regarding a potential measles exposure event. An individual infected with the highly contagious virus traveled through the state last week. This individual was present on an Amtrak NE Regional train traveling from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. Additionally, the infected person spent time at the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport between January 7 and January 9, 2026.

Measles is known for its high transmissibility, spreading easily through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. While most recover within about 10 days, the infection can be severe or fatal for vulnerable individuals. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a characteristic rash.

Health authorities stress the critical importance of vaccination for community protection. They advise individuals who may have been exposed and are not fully vaccinated to contact their healthcare provider. Being born before 1957 or having received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine generally indicates immunity.