(WILMINTON, Del. – July 31, 2026)

Measles isn’t just a childhood illness — it’s one of the most contagious viruses in existence. Cases in the U.S. are rising, with more cases reported so far in 2026 than any year since 1991.

Closer to home, measles cases have been identified across our region, including in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware. On July 20, 2026, Delaware reported its first confirmed measles case in more than a decade.

ChristianaCare is closely monitoring the situation and working with our clinical teams and public health partners. We remain committed to protecting the health and safety of our patients, caregivers and communities through ongoing surveillance, preparedness and education. The best way to prevent measles is with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

“ChristianaCare encourages everyone to get vaccinated because it not only protects you, but it also helps protect our entire community,” said Pam Bailey, DO, MPH, FIDSA, ChristianaCare’s associate chief infection prevention officer. “Just one dose of the vaccine provides strong, life-long protection. We recommend two doses for the strongest protection, as a small number of people may not develop immunity after just one dose.”

If you or your child develops symptoms such as a fever, cough, runny nose or red and/or watery eyes, we recommend you seek medical advice as soon as possible. Early recognition of measles can help prevent spread in the community.

If you think you or your child may have measles, please call your healthcare provider before visiting a doctor’s office, urgent care center or emergency department. Calling ahead allows the care team to prepare for your arrival and take steps to protect other patients, visitors and staff.

To help our community stay informed, we’ve created a Measles FAQ page with answers to common questions, including how measles spreads and what to do if you think you or your child has been exposed.

If you have questions about measles or possible exposure, the Delaware Division of Public Health encourages residents to contact its Measles Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 (toll-free) or 302-672-6100. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. until further notice.

Members of the media who want to speak with a medical expert about measles should contact our Media Relations team. We will work to connect you with a subject matter expert, who can provide the latest verified information. You can find additional updates, videos, and expert insights to support your continued coverage on our Facebook page and on our Measles FAQ page.

Need an expert source? Our Experts, ChristianaCare's expert database, can help you find the right source for your next news story. Request an interview ➜

About ChristianaCare

Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, ChristianaCare is one of the country’s most dynamic health care organizations, centered on improving health outcomes, and innovating to make high-quality care more accessible, equitable and affordable. ChristianaCare includes an extensive network of primary care and outpatient services, home health care, urgent care centers, four hospitals (1,440 beds), a freestanding emergency department, a Level I trauma center and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, a comprehensive stroke center and regional centers of excellence in heart and vascular care, cancer care and women’s health. It also includes the pioneering Gene Editing Institute and a 10-bed neighborhood hospital in West Grove, PA.

ChristianaCare is nationally recognized as a great place to work. ChristianaCare is rated by Newsweek as one of the World’s Best Hospitals and is continually ranked among the best in the U.S. in national quality and safety ratings. ChristianaCare is a nonprofit teaching health system with more than 260 residents and fellows. With its groundbreaking Center for Virtual Health and a focus on population health and value-based care, ChristianaCare is shaping the future of health care.

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