Measles Exposure Alert Issued for Maryland Travelers on Amtrak, at BWI Airport
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Maryland health officials have warned that an individual infected with measles traveled through the state last week, potentially exposing others at key transportation hubs. The alert focuses on passengers who utilized Amtrak and the BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport between January 7th and January 9th, 2026, prompting a call for individuals to verify their vaccination status.
Potential Exposure Locations and Times
Anyone who was present at the following locations during the specified times may have been exposed to the virus:
- Amtrak NE Regional Train: Philadelphia 30th Street Station to Washington, D.C. Union Station on January 7, 2026, from 9:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Amtrak BWI Shuttle: To and from the BWI train station and drop-off points outside the lower level of BWI Airport between January 7th at 10:45 p.m. and January 8th at 1:30 a.m.
- BWI Airport Parking Shuttle: To and from outside the lower level of BWI Airport and the airport’s long-term parking lots between January 7th at 11:00 p.m. and January 8th at 2:00 a.m.
Notably, health officials confirmed that there were no identified exposures within the BWI Airport terminals themselves.
Measles Cases in Maryland: A Recent History
While no measles cases have been reported in Maryland in 2026 to date, the state saw a small number of cases in recent years. There were three cases in 2025, one in 2024, and one in 2023, with no cases recorded between 2020 and 2022. This recent travel-related exposure underscores the ongoing risk of resurgence, particularly as travel volumes increase.
Understanding Measles: Symptoms and Transmission
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. According to state health officials, most individuals recover within approximately 10 days, but the infection can be severe or even fatal for vulnerable populations.
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and initially include:
- A fever, potentially reaching 105 degrees Fahrenheit
- A dry cough
- A runny nose
- Red and watery eyes
These early symptoms are often followed by a characteristic blotchy rash that typically begins on the face and behind the ears, then spreads to the chest, back, and feet. The virus is contagious for four days before the rash appears and four days after.
Vaccination: The Primary Defense
“Vaccination remains essential to protecting ourselves, our families, and our communities against measles and other infectious diseases,” stated a senior official from the Maryland Department of Health. “These types of situations underscore the importance of knowing your vaccination status and ensuring you are up to date with all recommended vaccines.”
Individuals who have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or were born before 1957 are generally considered protected. Those who are not fully vaccinated and believe they may have been exposed are urged to contact their healthcare provider or local health department. Individuals experiencing symptoms should remain at home to prevent further spread.
This incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to safeguard public health and prevent the re-emergence of preventable diseases.
