maryland Health Officials Alert Public too Potential measles Exposure During January Travel
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Maryland residents and travelers who utilized specific Amtrak and BWI Airport transportation services between January 7th and 8th, 2026, may have been exposed to measles, a highly contagious viral illness. The Maryland Department of Health issued a notification on January 11, 2026, following confirmation of a case in an individual who traveled through the state while infectious.
Public Transportation Routes of Concern
Individuals who were on the following conveyances during the specified dates and times are urged to monitor for symptoms:
- Amtrak NE Regional Train: Philadelphia 30th Street station to Washington, DC Union Station on January 7, 2026, from 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM.
- Amtrak BWI Shuttle: To and from the BWI train station and drop-off points outside the lower level of BWI Airport on January 7, 2026, from 10:45 PM to January 8, 2026, at 1:30 AM.
- BWI Airport Parking Shuttle: To and from outside the lower level of BWI Airport and the airport’s long-term parking lots on January 7, 2026, from 11:00 PM to January 8, 2026, at 2:00 AM.
Health officials emphasized that there were no identified exposures within the BWI Airport terminals themselves. Exposures in othre states are being tracked by those respective jurisdictions. Anyone not present on these conveyances during the listed times was not exposed.
Understanding Measles and Potential Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. It can also be contracted through direct contact with these droplets. Symptoms typically appear 10 to 14 days after exposure, though thay can emerge as early as seven days or as late as 21 days.
Early symptoms include:
- A fever exceeding 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes
These are usually followed, one to four days later, by a red rash that begins on the face and spreads throughout the body. An individual with measles is contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after the rash begins.
What to Do If You Suspect Exposure
The Maryland Department of Health advises individuals who may have been exposed to measles to first determine their vaccination status. Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or having been born before 1957, generally indicates immunity.
If you are not fully vaccinated or are unsure of your immunity, officials recommend contacting your healthcare provider or local health department to discuss appropriate next steps. It is crucial to monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days following potential exposure.
If symptoms develop, stay home and avoid contact with others in public spaces like childcare facilities, schools, or workplaces. Importantly, contact your healthcare provider before visiting a waiting room or emergency department to allow for preventative measures to be taken.
Vaccination Remains key to Protection
“Vaccination remains essential to protecting ourselves, our families, and our communities against measles and other infectious diseases,” stated Maryland Department of Health Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Meg Sullivan. “These types of situations underscore the importance of knowing your vaccination status and ensuring you are up to date with all recommended vaccines.”
Measles cases are infrequent in Maryland, with no cases reported in 2026 to date. Prior to 2026, there were three cases identified in 2025, one in 2024, one in 2023, and no cases between 2020 and 2022. The Department of Health remains dedicated to safeguarding the health and well-being of all Marylanders through disease prevention and community engagement.
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