Maryland Reaches 9 Measles Cases in 2026: What Physicians Need to Know
Maryland has confirmed nine measles cases in 2026, including a cluster of five Central Maryland residents identified this week after out-of-state travel. Nationally, the CDC is tracking more than 2,260 confirmed cases across 42 jurisdictions, a pace that could surpass last year's 33-year record before the summer ends. Imported cases are reaching practices across the region, and physicians should be prepared.
The Maryland Situation
Maryland's first 2026 case was confirmed in April in a Baltimore metro resident with recent international travel. Four additional travel-linked cases followed through June. The most recent cluster of five Central Maryland residents who traveled together to an active U.S. outbreak site was confirmed this week by the Maryland Department of Health. A potential exposure was identified at Carroll Hospital Center's Emergency Department Waiting Room in Westminster on July 13, between 2 and 5 p.m.
All nine cases have been travel-linked, but with 34 active outbreaks nationally and summer travel ongoing, community transmission is possible.
Physician action item: Patients who recently traveled to areas with active outbreaks should be advised to monitor for symptoms for 21 days after potential exposure and confirm their MMR vaccination status before their next visit.
National Context
93% of confirmed 2026 cases involve patients who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. Three deaths have been recorded since the 2025 and 2026 outbreak period began: two unvaccinated children in Texas and one unvaccinated adult in New Mexico. They were the first measles deaths in the U.S. since 2015.
Physician action item: Use patient encounters now to verify MMR status, especially for adults born after 1957, frequent travelers, and patients in households with unvaccinated children.
Who Is Protected
Two doses of an MMR-containing vaccine confer strong protection. Patients born before 1957 are generally considered immune. For patients planning travel to active outbreak areas, infants 6 to 12 months may receive an early MMR dose before departure.
Maryland's overall MMR vaccination rate exceeds 96%, but pockets of under-vaccination exist statewide, and imported cases do not track with averages.
Physician action item: For unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated patients with a potential exposure, advise them to call your office or the ED before arriving so staff can take appropriate precautions before they enter a waiting room.
Clinical Reminders
Measles presents with fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis before the classic maculopapular rash. Patients are infectious from four days before to four days after rash onset. Koplik spots, when present, are pathognomonic but easy to miss.
If you suspect a case, contact the Maryland Department of Health before the patient leaves your office. Do not wait for lab confirmation to notify public health.
Physician action item: Report suspected cases immediately.
MCMS Is Monitoring
MCMS is tracking this situation and will share updates as MDH issues additional guidance. Questions or concerns? Reach us at info@montgomerymedicine.org.