Maryland health authorities are urging caution after confirming that an individual with measles traveled through several busy transportation hubs in early January, potentially exposing an unknown number of people to the highly contagious virus. Officials confirmed the case on Monday and have since released a public notice outlining the exposure timeline and associated locations.
According to the Maryland Department of Health, the infected traveler moved through multiple public areas between January 4 and January 11, including an Amtrak route from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), and airport shuttle services operating on January 5. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and passenger manifests in an effort to identify individuals who may have been in close proximity to the traveler.
Potential Exposure Locations
Health officials stated that the first possible exposure occurred on January 4 aboard an Amtrak train departing Union Station in Washington, D.C., with Baltimore as the destination. While exact departure times were not disclosed, authorities confirmed that passengers seated nearby could have been at risk.
A second exposure window was identified from January 4 into January 5 inside BWI’s international terminal, where the infected individual spent several hours. On January 5, the traveler also boarded airport shuttle buses, though officials did not specify particular routes or schedules.
Who May Be at Risk
Individuals who visited these locations during the noted periods are encouraged to assess their immunity status. Those who have previously received two documented doses of the measles vaccine or have had measles in the past are considered protected. Unvaccinated individuals, young children, and immunocompromised people may face higher risk of infection.
Measles symptoms generally develop 7–14 days following exposure and can include persistent fever, cough, runny nose, red and irritated eyes, and a spreading rash that typically begins on the face. Health authorities have advised anyone experiencing symptoms to call a healthcare provider before seeking in-person care to minimize further transmission.
State Response and Public Guidance
In a statement, the Maryland Department of Health said it has begun notifying individuals who may have had prolonged contact with the infected traveler and emphasized the purpose of the alert is to enable early monitoring and prevent additional cases. “Public awareness is essential during situations involving airborne illnesses,” the agency noted.
Though measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, sporadic outbreaks have continued when unvaccinated travelers reintroduce the virus to communities with low vaccination coverage. Medical professionals stress that measles can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an enclosed space, making exposure possible even without direct contact.
Looking Ahead
Residents are encouraged to review vaccination records, contact their healthcare provider if uncertain about immunity status, and remain alert for symptoms through the end of January. Officials say these steps are critical in ensuring any secondary cases are identified swiftly and contained.
Health experts concluded that vigilance remains the strongest tool for preventing widespread transmission and urged the public to take the advisory seriously while awaiting further updates from the state.
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