LINTHICUM, Md. — On Sunday, the Maryland Department of Health announced that it had received reports of an individual who traveled through the state while infected with measles.
In light of this situation, the department aims to inform anyone who might have had potential exposure to the virus.
The individual in question was said to be on BWI shuttles during the late hours of January 7, extending into the early morning of January 8.
Specifically, they used the Amtrak Shuttle to travel to and from the airport’s train station and drop-off locations located on the lower level of BWI Airport.
Additionally, they utilized a BWI parking shuttle for transport between the long-term parking facilities.
It’s important to note that there was no risk of exposure within the airport terminals themselves.
Understanding Measles
According to officials from the Maryland Department of Health:
“Measles is an extremely contagious disease that can easily spread through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It may also be passed on through direct contact with contaminated droplets.”
Recognizing Early Symptoms
“Initial symptoms of measles often include a fever exceeding 101 degrees Fahrenheit, along with a runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Typically, one to four days following these early symptoms, a red rash emerges, starting on the face and then spreading across the body. Symptoms generally arise 10 to 14 days post-exposure but can develop as soon as seven days or as long as 21 days after exposure. Importantly, a person infected with measles is contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after its onset.”
Steps to Take if You Suspect Exposure
- Check your vaccination history to determine if you are protected against measles. If you have received two doses of a vaccine that includes measles, or if you were born prior to 1957, you are generally considered immune.
- If you are unvaccinated or unsure of your immunity status and think you may have been exposed, please contact your healthcare provider or local health department for guidance on the next steps to take.
- Keep a close watch for any early symptoms of measles for 21 days following your possible exposure.
- If you experience a fever or any symptoms indicative of measles, it’s crucial that you stay at home. Avoid going to child care, school, work, or any public areas, and reach out to your healthcare provider. Be sure to call ahead before visiting a clinic or emergency department to allow the facility to implement measures to prevent the spread of measles.
As of now, there have been no reported cases of measles in 2026. The previous year saw three cases, and there was one case each in the years 2024 and 2023.
There were no reported instances of measles from 2020 to 2022.
