At least 6 kids sickened by measles in Delaware as outbreak grows
Isabel HughesDelaware News Journal
Aug. 12, 2026, 6:56 a.m. ET
Measles cases in Delaware have reached double digits, with 20 people in the state testing positive for the highly-contagious virus as of Aug. 11
The majority of cases − 13 − are in residents age 20 and older, according to the Delaware Division of Public Health. One case was reported in a Delawarean between 10 and 19 years old, while the remaining six cases were in children 9 and under
All confirmed cases are in Kent County
Delaware’s outbreak comes as measles cases continue to rise nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of U.S. cases reported in 2026 has already surpassed the total reported in all of 2025
Here’s what to know about measles
What are measles?
Measles is a highly contagious, acute viral illness that begins with early symptoms of fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis (pink eye), lasting two to four days before rash onset
The rash typically occurs three to five days after symptoms begin and usually appears on the face and spreads down the body
Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation and death
The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes
The measles virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area
Infected people are contagious from four days before the rash starts through four days after rash development
The incubation period for measles from exposure to fever is usually about 10 days, with a range of seven to 12 days. And from exposure to rash onset is usually about 14 days with a seven to 21-day range.More: Back‑to‑school vaccines: what DE requires before school year starts
How do you treat measles?
There is no specific antiviral cure for the measles
However, if you haven’t been previously vaccinated against the measles, you can still be vaccinated to head off the worst symptoms, if you act fast enough
“If people older than six months of age are exposed to measles and are not immune by previous illness or vaccination, they can get a measles vaccine for up to three days after contact with the virus,” advised the Mayo Clinic. “After the vaccine you don’t need to stay home, also called quarantine.”
Antibodies can also be given for up to six days after exposure, though they are prioritized for people who cannot get the measles vaccine, such as infants younger than 6 months old, pregnant women, severely immunocompromised people or people who have other medical contraindications to vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Who should be most worried about measles?
Jennifer Horney, professor and chair of the University of Delaware’s Department of Epidemiology, said she believes the biggest concern should be parents of children who can’t be vaccinated yet
“That’s one of the things that people who make decisions not to vaccinate don’t understand − is that you’re making a decision for a lot of people (by not vaccinating),” she said
How contagious is measles?
Per Horney, each person who is infected will likely spread to about 18 susceptible people
“So, if we compare that to something like COVID or flu that we’re more familiar with, you would typically spread to maybe two susceptible people,” Horney said. “If someone is on your plane and they have measles, if you’re not vaccinated, you are going to get measles. It just is very, very effective at spreading, and you can spread before you have the rash.”
Who is most at risk during a measles outbreak?
People who are unvaccinated, pregnant, immunocompromised or too young to be vaccinated face the highest risk of severe complications, DPH said. The first dose for infants is usually given between 12 and 15 months
Anyone who cannot get the vaccine but who has come into contact with someone suspected to have measles should immediately contact their primary care provider or Delaware’s Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at (302) 744-4990 for guidance
Given the Delaware measles outbreak, can my infant get an early dose of the MMR vaccine?
Speak to your pediatrician. Babies six months and older are physically able to receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, though an early dose − defined as before 12 months of age − won’t count toward their regular vaccine schedule, which is typically two doses
The second dose is generally given to kids between 4 and 6 years of age
Are adults who were vaccinated decades ago still protected?
If you were born before 1957, you are considered immune. If you were fully vaccinated, you’re also considered immune. If you’re concerned, however, your doctor can order a blood test to check for immunity. Such testing is fairly common
Why are measles on the rise in the United States?
The United States declared measles eliminated in 2000 after recording just 86 cases that year, according to the CDC. But a series of outbreaks that began in early 2025, centered initially in Gaines County, Texas, has helped drive the virus’ resurgence
Vaccination for measles has declined in recent years, resulting in a growing number of states no longer reporting rates consistent with herd immunity. Herd immunity occurs when more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated and most people are protected, even if they cannot get the vaccine themselves, because those around them are immune and cannot spread the disease
Declining protections have also been attributed to the growing anti-vaccine movement, which was bolstered by the confirmation of vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary. In addition to making anti-vaccine comments, Kennedy also downplayed pediatric deaths related to measles and touted false cures and preventives, such as the use of vitamin A. During the height of the Texas outbreak, Kennedy encouraged inoculation against measles, pulling back from his previous anti-vaccine messaging.
USA TODAY contributed to this report
Got a story tip or idea? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com
