Maryland Health Officials Warn of Potential Measles Exposure

A recent traveler with measles visited several locations in the Baltimore area, prompting a public health alert.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:07pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray image showing the ghostly, glowing internal structure of a measles virus particle against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the public health concerns surrounding the recent measles case.A translucent X-ray image reveals the intricate internal structure of the measles virus, a highly contagious pathogen that has prompted a public health alert in Maryland.Baltimore Today

The Maryland Department of Health is warning residents that a Baltimore metro resident who recently traveled abroad has the measles virus, marking the state's first case of 2026. The infected individual visited several locations in the Baltimore area, including BWI Airport and two local healthcare facilities, potentially exposing others to the highly contagious disease.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can have serious complications, especially for young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Public health officials are urging anyone who may have been exposed to monitor for symptoms and get vaccinated if they have not already done so.

The details

The infected individual reportedly went through BWI Airport's international customs inspection station and international baggage claim area on April 12 between 7:50 and 10:30 pm. They then sought treatment at FastMed Urgent Care on April 14 between 5 and 8 pm, and again on April 17 between 12 and 3:30 pm, before going to Sinai Hospital's emergency department from 3:30 to 7:10 pm.

  • The infected individual returned to the U.S. on April 12.
  • They visited BWI Airport on April 12 between 7:50 and 10:30 pm.
  • They visited FastMed Urgent Care on April 14 between 5 and 8 pm, and again on April 17 between 12 and 3:30 pm.
  • They visited Sinai Hospital's emergency department on April 17 between 3:30 and 7:10 pm.

The players

Maryland Department of Health

The state health agency responsible for monitoring and responding to public health issues, including the recent measles case.

BWI Airport

The international airport serving the Baltimore metropolitan area, where the infected individual passed through.

FastMed Urgent Care

A local healthcare facility where the infected individual sought treatment.

Sinai Hospital

A hospital in Baltimore where the infected individual visited the emergency department.

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What’s next

The Maryland Department of Health is urging anyone who visited the locations during the specified dates and times to monitor for measles symptoms and get vaccinated if they have not already done so.

The takeaway

This measles case highlights the importance of vaccination, especially for those who may be at higher risk of complications from the disease. Public health officials are working to quickly identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed in order to contain the spread of the virus.