Updated August 24, 2026
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable viral illness that causes a high fever with a full-body rash. Measles infection can affect the body's respiratory, immune, and central nervous systems. The best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from measles is to get vaccinated.
The Maryland Department of Health is working with Maryland local health departments and healthcare providers to respond to an outbreak of measles among unvaccinated individuals in Carroll, Cecil, and St. Mary's counties; however, there is currently no evidence of widespread community transmission. For more information about measles outbreaks in other areas of the United States, see the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health measles tracker.
If you think you or your family member has symptoms of measles or might have been exposed to measles, call your healthcare provider before going to a waiting room or emergency department so staff can take measures to prevent possible spread to other patients. Do not go to child care, school, work, or out in public if you have symptoms of measles or have been exposed to measles. To check your immunization status, contact your healthcare provider or securely request your records online via My Immunization Record (MyIR). If you have questions about vaccinations, contact your healthcare provider.
For instances in which MDH is aware of possible public exposure from a measles case, that information is shared through press releases.
Cases of Measles in Maryland, as of August 24, 2026
| Year | Confirmed Cases |
| 2026 | 31
|
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1
|
