Maryland’s health department has declared a measles outbreak in three of the state’s counties.
St. Mary’s, Carroll, and Cecil counties have outbreaks of measles, the Maryland Department of Health declared. The agency has identified and is investigating 14 new confirmed cases of measles in unvaccinated Marylanders.
No public exposures have been identified in these cases. Most of the cases occurred among household contacts, so there is no evidence of widespread transmission.
“Measles is highly contagious and we are actively working with healthcare professionals and local health departments to support impacted communities, respond to cases and mitigate further spread,” said Dr. Meena Seshamani, Maryland’s state health secretary.
Marylanders can significantly reduce their risk of measles infection by getting vaccinated.
“The overall risk remains low if you are fully vaccinated,” Seshamani said. “We ask that Marylanders join us in our effort to help keep our youngest safe and protect those who are most at risk. Checking your vaccination status and getting vaccinated if you are not up-to-date is the simplest and most effective way to do that.”
Individuals who are not vaccinated against measles have a 90% chance of becoming infected if they are exposed to the virus.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine should be administered at 12-15 months old, and the second dose at 4-6 years old.
An early dose should be considered for infants aged 6-11 months who live in or are traveling to an outbreak area, according to health officials.
Adults should have at least one documented dose of MMR, and those who are at higher risk should be considered for two doses.
Individuals can contact their health care provider or request their records online via My Immunization Record (MyIR) to check their immunization status.
Local health departments across Maryland are administering MMR and other vaccines. More than 106,000 MMR vaccines have been administered so far in 2026, including more than 24,000 since July 1, 2026.
So far this year, Maryland has confirmed 31 measles cases, including 27 since July 15. All 27 were among unvaccinated residents.
Since July 15, the state has identified 13 cases in St. Mary’s County, eight in Carroll County, five in Cecil County, and one in Charles County. Before July 15, the state confirmed two cases in Anne Arundel County, one in Baltimore County, and one in Prince George’s County.
