Measles Outbreaks Declared in Maryland, Illinois Amid National Surge

Public health officials across multiple states are responding to a significant national surge in measles cases, with Maryland declaring an outbreak in three counties and Illinois health authorities warning of potential exposures at a high school and a pediatric clinic. The developments underscore growing concerns about the highly contagious virus amid declining vaccination rates. The Maryland Department of Health declared a measles outbreak in St. Mary’s, Carroll, and Cecil counties on August 24 after identifying 14 new cases among unvaccinated residents. This brings the state’s total to 31 confirmed cases for 2026, with 27 of those identified since July 15.