Maryland health officials have confirmed a measles case in a Baltimore-area resident who recently returned from international travel, and they are now warning that travelers and patients may have been exposed while the person was infectious. Potential exposure sites include Baltimore/Washington International’s international arrivals area and lower-level international bag claim, FastMed Urgent Care in Pikesville, and the emergency department at Sinai Hospital. Measles is highly contagious, spreads through the air, and can linger in an indoor space for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, according to officials.
Public health investigators have laid out specific time windows for each location and are urging anyone who is not fully immune to watch for early symptoms for 21 days, according to the Maryland Department of Health. Possible exposure windows are listed as BWI Customs and the lower-level international bag claim on Sunday, April 12, from 7:50 to 10:30 p.m.; FastMed Urgent Care (2827 Smith Ave.) on Tuesday, April 14, from 5 to 8 p.m., and on Friday, April 17, from noon to 3:30 p.m.; and Sinai Hospital’s main ED waiting area and pediatric ED on Friday, April 17, from 3:30 to 7:10 p.m. Anyone who develops fever, rash, cough, runny nose, or red, watery eyes is asked to call their health care provider before going to a clinic or emergency department so staff can prepare to limit further spread.
What to watch for and post-exposure options
The options after a possible measles exposure depend heavily on timing and a person’s risk level. The CDC notes that the MMR vaccine may still offer protection if it is given within 72 hours of exposure, and that immune globulin (IG) can be used within six days for certain high-risk groups, including infants, pregnant people, and those who are severely immunocompromised, according to the CDC. People who lack evidence of immunity are urged to get in touch with their local health department or health care provider immediately and to call ahead before going to an emergency department.
Why this matters locally
This is Maryland’s first confirmed measles case in 2026, following three travel-related cases in 2025. Health officials used the latest alert to underline a familiar message, saying that "Vaccination remains essential to protecting ourselves, our families, and our communities," according to the Maryland Department of Health. WBAL NewsRadio has also reported on the case as investigators work to identify contacts and update the public advisory. Residents unsure of their vaccination status can check My Immunization Record (MyIR) or contact their local health department to ask about vaccine access and post-exposure options.
