
Maryland Declares Measles Outbreak in Three Counties as Unvaccinated Cases Reach 31
Maryland health officials declared a measles outbreak in St. Mary’s, Carroll, and Cecil counties after identifying 14 new confirmed cases among unvaccinated residents. The state now reports 31 total cases for 2026, with 27 linked to unvaccinated individuals. While officials note no evidence of widespread community transmission, infectious disease experts warn that measles is highly contagious, with a 90% infection rate for unvaccinated exposed individuals. Vaccination remains critical to protect vulnerable populations, including the immunocompromised, as the virus can cause severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis.

