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Measles Cases and Public Exposure Alerts Reported Across Multiple U.S. States

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Measles Cases Confirmed Across Multiple U.S. States

Health departments in several U.S. states have confirmed measles cases and issued public alerts regarding potential exposure locations. The cases involve both international and domestic travelers, as well as local residents. Public health officials are advising individuals who may have been exposed to verify their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.

Confirmed Cases and Exposure Alerts by State

Virginia

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has confirmed multiple measles cases in 2026. As of early March, VDH reported investigating its tenth case of the year. Cases have involved both adults and children, including preschool-aged children. Several cases have been linked to international travel, while others are connected to domestic travel.

Potential exposure sites identified by VDH span numerous locations in Northern Virginia, including healthcare facilities, retail stores, restaurants, airports, and public transit. Specific locations and times have been published for areas in Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Arlington counties, as well as the cities of Manassas and Alexandria.

Maryland

The Maryland Department of Health confirmed a measles case in a Baltimore-area resident with recent international travel history in April. Potential exposure sites included Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), an urgent care facility, and a hospital emergency department.

Separately, Maryland and Virginia health officials issued alerts in January for a case involving an individual who traveled through both states. Exposure sites included Amtrak trains and shuttle buses at BWI Marshall Airport.

California

Health officials in Orange County and Los Angeles County have confirmed multiple measles cases linked to international travelers.

  • Orange County confirmed several cases, with two involving individuals who visited Disneyland Resort parks in late January. Potential exposure alerts were issued for Goofy’s Kitchen, Disneyland Park, and Disney California Adventure Park.
  • Los Angeles County confirmed three cases within a week in late January, including an international traveler who visited a Disney park and a restaurant in Sherman Oaks.

Pennsylvania

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health issued a warning for a potential exposure at Philadelphia International Airport's Terminal E on February 12. Separately, the Montgomery County Department of Health issued an alert for a potential exposure at an urgent care facility in Collegeville on January 29. A separate alert was issued for a Bethesda office building on February 10 related to a Virginia resident with measles.

Washington

Public Health – Seattle & King County confirmed a measles case involving a Canadian resident who traveled through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) on March 9. A previous case at Sea-Tac was reported for January 22. The Washington State Department of Health has reported 28 measles cases among state residents in 2026. Snohomish County is experiencing an outbreak, with six total cases reported as of mid-February.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Department of Health confirmed a measles case in an adult visitor on Oahu in late February. The individual, who was vaccinated, had arrived from a U.S. region with known measles transmission. Exposure alerts were issued for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, the Laie Mormon Temple on Oahu, and Hilo International Airport and surrounding areas on Hawaii Island.

Public Health Recommendations

Health departments across jurisdictions have issued consistent guidance for individuals who may have been exposed to measles.

  • Verify Immunity: Individuals should confirm their measles immunity, which is generally established by receiving two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, having laboratory-confirmed immunity, or being born before 1957.
  • Post-Exposure Actions: Those who are not immune and were potentially exposed should contact a healthcare provider or local health department promptly. Post-exposure prophylaxis (vaccine or immune globulin) may be recommended if administered within a specific timeframe after exposure.
  • Monitor for Symptoms: Anyone potentially exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days. Measles symptoms typically begin 7 to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads.
  • Isolate if Ill: Individuals who develop symptoms should self-isolate immediately and contact a healthcare provider by phone before visiting a medical facility to prevent further exposure.

National Context

The U.S. has recorded hundreds of confirmed measles cases in 2026. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines an outbreak as three or more related cases. Multiple states have reported cases, with some health authorities noting ongoing outbreaks in other parts of the country.