Maryland measles exposure concerns have prompted a new public health alert after an infected out-of-state visitor spent several days in Ocean City. Residents and visitors are being urged to check where they were between September 3 and 6, monitor for symptoms and verify their MMR vaccination status, reports Baltimore Chronicle. The Maryland Department of Health says the overall risk remains low for people who are fully vaccinated.
Where possible measles exposure occurred in Ocean City
State health officials identified three Ocean City businesses where visitors may have encountered the infected person. The exposure periods cover parts of the Labor Day weekend.
| Location | Address | Possible exposure |
|---|---|---|
| Casablanca Oceanside Inn | 2408 Baltimore Ave. | Sept. 3, 4 p.m. to Sept. 6, 12 p.m. |
| Buona Vita Pizzeria | 2100 Baltimore Ave. | Sept. 3, 5–8 p.m. |
| Bonfire Restaurant | 7009 Coastal Hwy. | Sept. 5, 4:30–8 p.m. |
Anyone who visited these locations during the specified periods should check their vaccination records. People who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune should watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.
What measles symptoms should you watch for?
Measles often begins with symptoms that can resemble another respiratory infection. The CDC lists several early warning signs:
- fever;
- cough;
- runny nose;
- red or watery eyes;
- a rash that starts on the face and spreads across the body.
Symptoms can appear 7 to 21 days after exposure. A person with measles can spread the virus from 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days afterward. This means transmission can occur before the characteristic rash makes the illness obvious.
Anyone who develops compatible symptoms should avoid school, work, child care and other public places. Maryland officials advise calling a healthcare provider before entering a clinic, waiting room or emergency department. This allows medical staff to take precautions against further exposure.
Maryland has confirmed 40 measles cases in 2026
Maryland had recorded 40 confirmed measles cases in 2026 as of September 10. For comparison, the state reported 3 cases in 2025 and 1 case in 2024. State officials say there is currently no evidence of widespread community transmission.
The state is responding to an outbreak involving unvaccinated people in Carroll, Cecil and St. Mary’s counties. The latest Ocean City warning concerns an infected visitor from another state. Officials have not released identifying information about that person.
Residents can review the latest state guidance through the Maryland Department of Health measles information page. The CDC says MMR vaccination remains the best protection against measles.
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