Updated Aug. 27, 2026

On Aug. 24, 2026, the Maryland Department of Health announced a measles outbreak in Maryland, including St. Mary’s, Cecil and Carroll counties. There are also ongoing measles outbreaks in neighboring states, including Pennsylvania and Delaware. At this time, there are no known public exposures to measles or reported cases in areas surrounding Johns Hopkins Medicine hospitals and medical facilities. 

We are closely monitoring measles activity. Our clinicians are on alert to promptly detect symptoms consistent with measles and isolate patients with symptoms from other patients to prevent further spread. We are working with state and local health departments to prevent measles transmission.

Learn More About Measles

What is measles?

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a very contagious viral illness that causes a distinct rash and a fever. 

Both children and adults can get measles. 

How does measles spread?

Measles can spread through direct person-to-person contact or through breathing air with infected droplets. Each cough or sneeze from an infected person releases thousands of virus particles into the air.

Measles is extremely contagious. The virus particles can remain in the air up to two hours after an infected person has left an area. It is estimated that someone with measles can infect up to 90% of the people they come into close contact with if the people they encounter do not have immunity.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles symptoms occur about seven to 14 days after coming in contact with a person with the virus.

Measles often starts with cold-like symptoms, such as:

• High fever (104 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius or higher)
• Runny nose
• Inflammation and redness of the covering of the white part of the eye (conjunctivitis)
• Cough
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)

Within three to five days, a rash appears with red, flat spots or small bumps. It often starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body. Once the rash appears, the fever may get higher. The rash can become brown or purple in color, and then fades in the same direction as it appeared after four to seven days as symptoms go away.

The symptoms of measles may look like other illnesses. Make sure you contact a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. If you are concerned you have measles or know of recent contact with someone with measles, it is important to notify your provider in advance or immediately upon arriving to a clinic or healthcare facility, because measles is very contagious.

How is measles treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

A person who doesn’t have enough vitamin A may need to take extra doses of this vitamin. Vitamin A does not treat measles by itself. But in people with vitamin A deficiency, taking vitamin A when they have measles can lower the risk for serious complications and death from the infection. Other treatment includes:

• Medicine for fever or discomfort.
• Antibiotic medicine for complications, such as bacterial infections that may develop. Antibiotics are not effective in treating viral infections like measles.

What are possible complications of measles?

Most people get better with no lasting effects. But measles can lead to serious complications or even death. Up to 30% of children with measles will experience a complication, ranging from mild to severe. Complications of measles are:

• Middle ear infection that may lead to hearing loss
• Infection of the lungs (pneumonia)
• Infection of the upper airway with trouble breathing and cough (croup)
• Diarrhea
• Infection of the brain (encephalitis)
• Death, in severe cases

How can measles be prevented?

For children: The measles vaccine is part of the routine vaccinations recommended for children. Children should be vaccinated for measles with two doses:

• First dose at 12 to 15 months of age.
• Second dose at 4 to 6 years of age.

For children who have not been vaccinated, getting the vaccine up to three days  after exposure to measles may prevent the disease.

Children between 6 and 12 months can get the MMR vaccine if they are at risk of exposure to someone with measles. Parents and caregivers should discuss this with their pediatrician if they have questions or concerns.

Children who have had measles are immune for life.

For adults: For adults who have not been vaccinated, the measles vaccine is also recommended.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider right away if you suspect measles. Get emergency care if you or your child have:

• A fever higher than 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 degrees Celsius).
• Trouble breathing.
• A severe headache.
• Confusion or clumsiness. 

Medically reviewed by Lisa Maragakis, M.D., Aaron Milstone, M.D., and Anna Sick-Samuels, M.D., Aug. 27, 2026.