UPDATE: Health Officials Confirm Multiple Measles Cases in St. Mary’s County; Possible Exposure at Three Locations Announced

Key Points:

• The Maryland Department of Health confirmed two measles cases in Southern Maryland residents who recently traveled to an area with an active outbreak; exposure sites include J&R Feeds LLC, MedStar Health Urgent Care, and MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital with health officials notifying potential contacts.
• Measles is highly contagious and spread through airborne particles and direct contact, with symptoms appearing 7-14 days post-exposure; individuals exposed should monitor for symptoms and verify vaccination status, with unvaccinated persons urged to seek medical advice promptly.
• MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital has implemented mandatory mask and PPE protocols due to outbreak risk, while local EMS and health departments are taking preventive measures amid rising measles cases nationwide, with 2,260 confirmed cases in the U.S. in 2026.
• The CDC reports 34 new measles outbreaks in 2026, with most cases linked to outbreaks; neighboring states like Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware are also experiencing significant measles activity, including Delaware’s first case in over a decade.
• The World Health Organization emphasizes measles as a serious, highly contagious disease preventable by vaccination, noting global vaccination efforts have averted millions of deaths, though gaps in immunization coverage remain, particularly affecting children under five and vulnerable populations.