Infectious Measles Patient Traveled Through Maryland — Exposure Alerts Issued

📍 What Happened: Measles Exposure in Maryland Transit

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) reported that an individual with a confirmed case of measles traveled through the region between late evening on January 7 and early morning January 8, 2026.

Because the virus can remain infectious in the air or on surfaces for hours and spreads through coughing, sneezing, or even breathing, officials have identified key locations and transit routes where others may have been exposed.

🧭 Exposure Locations and Times

People who were at the following places and times may have potentially been exposed:

• Amtrak Northeast Regional Train — from Philadelphia 30th Street Station to Washington, D.C. Union Station (Jan. 7: 9:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.)

• BWI Amtrak Shuttle — between the BWI train station and airport lower-level drop-off (Jan. 7: 10:45 p.m. to Jan. 8: 1:30 a.m.)

• BWI Airport Parking Shuttle — to and from the long-term parking lots (Jan. 7: 11:00 p.m. to Jan. 8: 2:00 a.m.)

Health officials are urging anyone present at these locations during the specified times to monitor for symptoms and consult their healthcare provider — especially if they are not fully vaccinated or have unknown immunity.

🧠 Why This Matters: Measles Is Highly Infectious

Measles spreads easily and rapidly. The virus travels through the air when infected people cough or sneeze, and it can remain airborne or live on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a space.

A person with measles is typically contagious from four days before the characteristic rash appears to four days after the rash begins. Symptoms often start around 7–14 days after exposure and may include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash.

Because of these factors, public health officials treat any potential exposure with serious precaution.

🩹 Who Is Most at Risk?

While anyone can contract measles, certain groups are considered higher risk for complications, including:

• Unvaccinated individuals

• Infants too young for vaccination

• Pregnant people

• People with weakened immune systems

Those born before 1957 or who have two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine (MMR) are generally considered protected.

📢 What You Should Do If You Might Be Exposed

If you were at the exposure locations during the listed times and are not immune, health officials recommend:

🩺 1. Monitor for Symptoms

Watch for fever, rash, runny nose, cough, or red watery eyes for up to 21 days after potential exposure.

📞 2. Contact Your Healthcare Provider

If symptoms develop, call before visiting a clinic or emergency room so the medical facility can take infection-control measures.

💉 3. Check Your Immunization Status

Ensure your measles (MMR) vaccine is up to date — vaccination remains the best protection against measles infection.

🔎 Final Thoughts: Stay Alert, Stay Protected

Measles can spread quickly in transit hubs and public spaces, especially when travelers are infected and contagious. This recent Maryland exposure alert highlights the importance of strong immunity, vigilant health monitoring, and rapid communication with medical providers if symptoms appear.

By following public health guidance and staying current with vaccinations, individuals can protect themselves and help prevent further transmission within the community.

🔗 Sources

• Maryland measles travel exposure and locations — NottinghamMD
  https://nottinghammd.com/2026/01/11/health-officials-warn-of-potential-measles-exposures-associated-with-person-who-traveled-through-maryland/

• CDC measles infection and transmission facts — Maryland Clinician Letter (PDF)
  https://www.mbp.state.md.us/forms/Measles%20Clinician%20Letter_03.04.25.pdf

• Measles updates involving travel exposures through Dulles International Airport — Virginia Dept. of Health
  https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/clinicians/measles-updates-for-virginia/