Maryland Health Department issues measles outbreak warning linked back to Dulles airport

HOWARD COUNTY, Md. — Howard County, Maryland reports measles case and urges Marylanders to check exposure times, monitor symptoms, and ensure vaccinations are current.

Maryland Department of Health (MDH) released a statement Sunday afternoon reporting one confirmed case of measles in Howard County, citing a Maryland resident who recently traveled internationally. MDH says the case is not connected to the recent outbreak in Texas or New Mexico.

Maryland health officials are requesting assistance in identifying individuals who recently traveled and report symptoms. This coordinated effort from health officials cites that anyone who traveled to these locations recently take precautions aims to include residents who potentially were exposed to passengers on flights for the following locations:

Washington Dulles International Airport: The international arrivals area from March 5 from 4-9 p.m. and residents who visited John Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department on March 7, from 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Early symptoms of measles are a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Usually, one to four days after the early symptoms, a red rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. 

Symptoms can emerge as early as one or two weeks after exposure or remain dormant for nearly a month. Individuals with measles may not be aware they contracted the virus as rashes do not appear until at least four days, according to MDH.

People who develop a fever or other symptoms of measles should not go to childcare, school, work, or out in public, and should contact their health care provider. They should call their health care provider first rather than showing up in the waiting room or emergency room so that the office can take measures to prevent spread to other patients.

Traditionally, the measles vaccine is given around a child’s first birthday. However, a family with a child under one year and traveling internationally can contact their health care provider to discuss the location they are traveling to and any appropriate vaccines to get before the trip. In specific instances, the measles vaccine can be given as early as six months old.

MHD cites two cases appeared in 2024 and 2023, however, no cases were reported from 2020-2022.

The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.