The Maryland Department of Health confirmed Wednesday that two residents of Southern Maryland have tested positive for measles after recent out-of-state travel to an area experiencing an active outbreak. The cases bring the state’s total for 2026 to 11.
Health officials are notifying people who may have been exposed at three locations in St. Mary’s County. Anyone who visited J&R Feeds LLC at 28038 Thompsons Corner Road in Mechanicsville between Thursday, July 16, and Tuesday, July 21, should monitor for symptoms. Potential exposure also occurred at MedStar Health Urgent Care in Charlotte Hall, 37767 Market Drive, Suite 100, on Monday, July 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., and at the MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Emergency Room, 25500 Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown, on Tuesday, July 21, from 11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Measles is highly contagious. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours after the person leaves. It also spreads by direct contact and by touching contaminated surfaces.
People who were at the listed sites during those times, especially those who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune, should watch for early symptoms for 21 days after possible exposure. Early signs include a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, runny nose, cough and red, watery eyes. A red rash typically appears on the face one to four days later and spreads downward. Symptoms usually develop 10 to 14 days after exposure but can appear as early as seven days or as late as 21 days. An infected person is contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after it begins.
Anyone who develops a fever or other measles symptoms should stay home from child care, school, work and public places and contact a healthcare provider before visiting a waiting room or emergency department so the facility can take precautions.
Officials will not release additional details about the patients to protect their privacy.
Maryland’s 11 cases this year mark a sharp increase from recent years. The state recorded three cases in 2025, one in 2024 and one in 2023. All of this year’s Maryland cases have been linked to travel. As of mid-July, the Maryland Department of Health reported no evidence of ongoing community transmission within the state.
Nationally, measles activity remains elevated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 2,200 confirmed cases across dozens of jurisdictions in 2026 as of mid-July, with the total later exceeding 2,290 according to Johns Hopkins University tracking. That figure already surpasses the full-year 2025 total and represents the highest annual count since 1991. Most cases have occurred in unvaccinated people or communities with lower vaccination coverage, and the large majority are associated with ongoing outbreaks.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine provide strong protection. The first dose is routinely given at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years. A dose may be given as early as 6 to 12 months for travel to areas with transmission. People born before 1957 are generally considered immune. Those unsure of their status can check with a healthcare provider or request records through My Immunization Record.
Standard health insurance typically covers the MMR vaccine. Uninsured or underinsured adults can contact their local health department about free vaccine availability through the Maryland Vaccine Program. The Vaccines for Children Program also provides access for eligible children.
St. Mary’s County residents have seen public health emphasis on measles vaccination in recent years. In 2025, county wastewater testing detected the virus without any confirmed human cases, prompting health officials to urge residents to verify their immunization status. Free vaccine clinics were offered that spring.
The Maryland Department of Health continues to recommend that all eligible people stay up to date on MMR vaccination, particularly ahead of travel. Local health departments can advise on next steps for those who may have been exposed and are not fully protected, including possible post-exposure treatment options.
Residents with questions about symptoms, exposure or vaccination should contact their healthcare provider or local health department. Updated information on measles cases is available on the Maryland Department of Health website.
