Outbreak Declared in Three Counties
The Maryland Department of Health has declared a measles outbreak in St. Mary's, Carroll, and Cecil counties after confirming 14 new cases among unvaccinated residents. The announcement on Monday brings the state's total number of confirmed measles cases this year to 31.
Health officials said no public exposures have been identified in the newly confirmed cases and that there is no evidence of widespread community transmission. Most cases have involved household contacts, according to the department.
The recent cases broke down as follows: St. Mary's County reported 13 cases, Carroll County 8, Cecil County 5, and Charles County 1. Four other cases confirmed before July 15 involved residents of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Prince George's counties.
To protect the individuals' privacy, the Maryland Department of Health did not provide additional information about the patients.
Health Officials Urge Vaccination
Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani emphasized the seriousness of the situation, saying, "Measles is highly contagious and we are actively working with healthcare professionals and local health departments to support impacted communities, respond to cases, and mitigate further spread." She added, "The overall risk remains low if you are fully vaccinated. We ask that Marylanders join us in our effort to help keep our youngest safe and protect those who are most at risk. Checking your vaccination status and getting vaccinated if you are not up-to-date is the simplest and most effective way to do that."
State health officials have stated that unvaccinated people have a 90% chance of becoming infected after exposure to measles. They emphasize that the MMR vaccine is routinely recommended for children at 12 to 15 months old, followed by a second dose between ages 4 and 6. An early dose may be considered for infants ages 6 to 11 months who live in or travel to an outbreak area. Adults should have at least one documented MMR dose, and some higher-risk adults may need two doses if they do not have other evidence of immunity.
More than 106,000 MMR vaccines have been administered in Maryland so far this year, including over 24,000 since July 1. Residents can check their vaccination status via the state's My Immunization Record system or by contacting their health care provider.
National Context: Vaccine Policy Controversy
The outbreak comes as the U.S. is experiencing its largest measles resurgence in more than 30 years. It also coincides with President Donald Trump's renewed claims linking childhood vaccination to autism, a suggestion that contradicts decades of scientific research. Numerous studies have found no evidence that the MMR vaccine causes autism, and the CDC and other major medical organizations continue to recommend routine childhood vaccination.
The Trump administration has plans to split the combined MMR vaccine into separate injections. Public health experts have raised concerns that additional appointments and more complex vaccine schedules could leave some children unprotected for longer as outbreaks continue to spread.
Trump defended the proposed change, saying, "We're telling people when you get your shots for your young child, and this has to do we think with preventing autism, that you go for five small shots instead of one big mass." He also claimed the combined MMR vaccine "could be quite lethal" without providing evidence. In contrast, Dr. Mehmet Oz pushed back against the administration's messaging, saying the combined MMR is "not a lethal vaccine."
Despite the national debate, Maryland health officials continue to recommend the standard MMR schedule and are working with local health departments to boost vaccination rates and expand access in affected communities.
The department encourages all Marylanders to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated as the most effective way to protect themselves and the broader population.