Maryland health officials warn of possible measles exposure linked to BWI travel

Massive increase in measles cases in the U.S.

Tom Fitzgerald chats with Dr. Jeffery Gold, the University of Nebraska President, to discuss the spike in measles cases in the U.S.

BALTIMORE, MD. - Maryland health officials are warning of potential measles exposure after a traveler passed through the state while infectious, according to a press release. 

Potential exposure locations

What we know:

The traveler was on the Amtrak Northeast Regional Train from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., and on Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport shuttles between Jan. 7 and Jan. 8, the press release states. No exposures were identified inside BWI Airport terminals.

Measles is highly contagious and lives in the nose and throat of an infected individual, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's spread to others through coughing, sneezing and people coming into contact with contaminated air and then touching their eyes, noses or mouths. 

Dr. Meg Sullivan, Maryland Department of Health Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services, said in a statement that "[v]accination remains essential to protecting ourselves, our families and our communities against measles and other infectious diseases."

What to do if exposed

What you can do:

The Maryland Department of Health recommends those who may have been exposed to check their vaccination status.

If you have two doses of the measles vaccine or were born before 1957, you're likely protected, as measles was widespread prior to the development of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and therefore your body developed natural immunity, according to the CDC. 

The department also advises those who have been exposed to monitor for measles symptoms like fever or rash. If these symptoms develop, the department says to stay home and contact a health care provider before visiting any health care facility to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.