Updated: July 2026
The Caroline County Health Department is encouraging residents to stay informed about measles as cases continue to be reported both nationally and here in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Maryland has confirmed several travel-associated measles cases in 2026, but there is currently no evidence of ongoing community transmission in the state. However, neighboring Delaware is experiencing an active measles outbreak, with four confirmed cases among unvaccinated adults in Kent County, Delaware. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines an outbreak as three or more related cases. Delaware public health officials continue to conduct contact tracing to identify anyone who may have been exposed.
Although there are currently no confirmed measles cases in Caroline County, residents who travel to Delaware or have family members who do should ensure they are up to date on their MMR vaccination and be aware of the signs and symptoms of measles.
National measles activity also remains elevated, with more than 2,200 confirmed cases reported in the United States so far in 2026. Ongoing outbreaks in several states and internationally continue to increase the risk of travel-related exposures.
Know the Signs and Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable viral disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. The virus can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Symptoms typically develop 7 to 21 days after exposure and often begin with:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
A red rash usually appears three to five days after symptoms begin, starting on the face before spreading downward across the body.
People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after it develops, meaning they can spread the virus before they realize they are sick.
What to Do If You Think You Have Measles
If you or someone in your household develops symptoms of measles or believes they may have been exposed:
- Call your healthcare provider before visiting a doctor’s office, urgent care center, or emergency department. This allows healthcare staff to take precautions to prevent exposing other patients and staff.
- Stay home. Do not go to work, school, child care, or other public places until you have spoken with a healthcare provider or public health officials.
- If you are pregnant, immunocompromised, have an infant younger than 6 months of age, or are caring for someone in one of these groups, contact your healthcare provider immediately if you believe you have been exposed.
- If you are unvaccinated or unsure of your vaccination status and have been exposed, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Receiving the MMR vaccine after exposure may help prevent illness in some situations.
Vaccination Is the Best Protection
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective. Two doses provide approximately 97% protection against measles for most people who are not severely immunocompromised.
The CDC recommends:
- First dose: 12–15 months of age
- Second dose: 4–6 years of age
People are generally considered protected against measles if they:
- Were born before 1957;
- Have laboratory evidence of immunity;
- Previously had laboratory-confirmed measles; or
- Have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (usually MMR).
If you are unsure of your vaccination status, contact your healthcare provider or securely request your immunization records through Maryland MyIR.
Stay Informed
While there are currently no confirmed measles cases in Caroline County, the recent cases in Maryland and the outbreak in neighboring Kent County, Delaware, highlight the importance of staying up to date on vaccinations and recognizing the signs and symptoms of measles.
Residents with questions about measles, exposure, or vaccinations should contact their healthcare provider or the Caroline County Health Department. Early recognition, staying home when ill, and notifying your healthcare provider before seeking medical care can help prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.
For more information, visit the following trusted resources:
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – Vaccine Education Center: https://www.chop.edu/vaccine-education-center
- Let’s Get Real About Vaccines: https://www.letsgetrealaboutvaccines.org/
- Voices for Vaccines – Vax Talk Podcast: https://www.voicesforvaccines.org/podcast/
- Vaccinate Your Family – Resources: https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/news-resources/vaccine-resources/
- VaccineInformation.org: https://www.vaccineinformation.org/
- Immunize.org – Vaccine Confidence Resources: https://www.immunize.org/clinical/vaccine-confidence/
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take steps to protect themselves and their families.