NEWS
Second Delaware measles case confirmed a day after first report
Esteban ParraDelaware News Journal
July 21, 2026, 7:12 p.m. ET
The Delaware Division of Public Health on July 21 reported the state’s second confirmed measles case
This comes a day after the division reported its first case of measles in more than a decade
Extensive contact tracing is ongoing to identify anyone exposed to people who tested positive and the division said it will notify those who were identified as exposed to confirm whether they have been vaccinated against measles, provide educational re
“Vaccination remains the best protection against measles,” Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Christen Linke Young said in a statement issued late July 21. “I’m encouraged to see Delawareans taking action — more than 60 people received MMR vaccinations today at DPH clinics and mobile health units.”
The two people who’ve tested positive were unvaccinated men in Kent County. The division said it is unable to provide more details about the men who tested positive at this time due to medical privacy restrictions
Delaware health officials warned in early July that it was only a matter of time before the state saw its first case
“We do feel that our Delaware community is at high risk,” Dr. Ayanna Buckner, chief physician in the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Office of Epidemiology, said on July 9. “We spend so much time doing investigations around infectious diseases, and measles is the one that we are on pins and needles about this summer.”
Anyone showing symptoms of measles should seek immediate care by contacting their primary care provider. If symptoms are severe, they should seek immediate care at the nearest emergency department. Prior to going to any health care facility, individuals should notify providers and medical transport they or their child were exposed to measles
If you do not have a provider, contact a public health clinic
“Measles is one of the most preventable diseases because we have a safe and highly effective vaccine,” incoming-Delaware Surgeon General Dr. Neil Hockstein said in a statement. “This case is a reminder to check your family’s vaccination records. Staying up to date on the MMR vaccine remains the best way to protect yourself and help prevent the spread of measles in our communities.”
What is the MMR Vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is proven safe and effective at preventing measles, having been administered for more than five decades. Testing shows the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles for those who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine and are not severely immunocompromised
Children should get their first dose of vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and their second dose between 4 and 6 years of age
If a person has not received both doses by age 6, they should get their first or second dose as soon as possible
Infants 6 to 11 months who are traveling internationally or who are in an area experiencing a measles outbreak or exposure should receive one early dose of MMR vaccine
Vaccinations are available to both adults and children at many pharmacies, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and providers throughout Delaware and also at public health clinics for the uninsured or underinsured. Individuals should contact their preferred facility in advance to confirm supply and availability
Generally, a person is considered protected (immune) if they were:
- Born before 1957.
- Given a laboratory test confirming they had measles at some point in their life.
- Given a laboratory test confirming they are immune to measles.
- Have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine (usually given as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine).
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. Exposure to rash onset is usually about 14 days with a seven to 21-day range
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
Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com
