New measles cases were confirmed Thursday in two Prince George's County residents who recently traveled together internationally, according to the Maryland Department of Health. These new cases have raised concerns as state health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and public awareness.
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) stated that the Prince George's County cases are not linked to a recently confirmed case in a Howard County resident, nor to cases reported in West Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. This clarification helps to understand the scope of the outbreak and target precautionary measures effectively.
Out of an abundance of caution, state health officials are coordinating efforts to identify people who might have been exposed to the virus, which is highly contagious. This includes contacting passengers who were on specific flights with the two infected individuals.
Potential exposure locations have been identified, including Washington Dulles International Airport. Passengers who were in the airport's Concourse A, in transportation to the International Arrivals Building (IAB) and the baggage claim area from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on March 5, might have been exposed.
Other locations of concern include Kaiser Permanente Largo Medical Center in Upper Marlboro, where possible exposure occurred on several dates: March 5 from 7:30 p.m. to March 6 at 4:30 a.m.; March 13 from 4:15 a.m. to 10 a.m.; March 15 from 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.; and March 17 from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Additionally, at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, riders on the Terminal Shuttle Bus between noon and 2:30 p.m. on March 14 may have been exposed. Moreover, those who used the Washington Metro's Yellow Line train from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station, transferring at the L'Enfant Plaza station to a Silver Line train towards Largo between 12:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. on March 14 are also potentially at risk.
Further, visitors at Passport Toyota (5001 Auth Way, Suitland) from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on March 17 could have encountered the virus.
This year, measles cases have surged significantly across the United States, with reports indicating 22 states experiencing outbreaks. As of March 2025, the country has recorded a total of at least 320 measles cases, outpacing the total cases reported in the entirety of 2024.
Dr. Ashanti Woods, a pediatrician at Mercy Medical Center, highlighted the critical nature of vaccination against this highly contagious illness. "It's a reminder to all of us that measles is circulating, emphasize the importance of vaccines. It's traditionally given at 12 months and again, a booster at 4 years of age," Woods told 11 News. This statement underscores the necessity of vaccinations particularly for families planning international travel.
Vaccination is crucial because, according to Dr. Woods, those unvaccinated who encounter measles have a staggering 95% chance of contracting the virus. He explained, "What makes measles a little unique is it can stay circulating for a two-hour period after that person has left, meaning someone comes into my office who has measles and leaves and someone else comes into my office after them, that person is at risk for getting measles." This infectious window necessitates vigilance in public spaces where measles exposure is plausible.
Symptoms of measles typically do not manifest immediately, factors further complicating the identification of cases. Symptoms usually develop 10 to 14 days after exposure, but can appear as early as seven days or as late as 21 days after contact with the virus. Dr. Woods elaborated on the gradual onset of symptoms, stating that individuals can unknowingly transmit the virus before their rash appears—the definitive indicator of the disease.
The Maryland Department of Health asserts that individuals are generally considered immune if they have had two doses of the measles vaccine, previously contracted the illness, or can provide laboratory evidence of immunity. Those born in the U.S. before 1957 are also typically deemed immune.
Residents in Virginia and those in Washington D.C. can reach out for further information regarding potential exposure. Virginia residents can call the Virginia Department of Health hotline at 804-363-2704, while Washington D.C. residents can contact D.C. Health at 844-493-2652.
Measles once eliminated in the U.S. came back surging in cases; the last major outbreak was noted in 2019, making the current situation particularly alarming as health officials work diligently to manage and contain these recent cases.
