Delaware measles outbreak reaches 22 confirmed cases, all in Kent County
Delaware’s official measles count has risen to 22 confirmed cases, all in Kent County, according to the state’s current public-health alert. The count was four when the Division of Public Health declared an outbreak on July 22.
The state alert lists seven cases among children ages 0 to 9, two among people ages 10 to 19 and 13 among adults. The count covers confirmed cases, not people who may have been exposed or are being monitored.
What changed in Delaware
The Delaware Division of Public Health updates its measles count by noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The number can change after publication, and the state’s count may not match the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s weekly total because the agencies use different reporting schedules.
All 22 confirmed cases currently listed by Delaware are in Kent County. The current alert does not establish statewide transmission.
How the outbreak began
DPH reported Delaware’s first confirmed measles case in more than a decade on July 20, 2026. Two days later, the agency reported two additional positive cases, bringing the total to four, and declared an outbreak.
The CDC defines a measles outbreak as three or more related cases. When the outbreak was declared, DPH said the cases identified at that point were unvaccinated adult males in Kent County. That description applied to the initial cases and does not establish the vaccination status or demographics of all 22 current cases.
What contact tracing is doing
Contact tracing is intended to identify people who may have been exposed, check their measles vaccination status, provide information and recommend treatment when appropriate. DPH said it would provide additional information if investigators identify known public-exposure locations.
People who have been notified of a possible exposure should contact a health care provider promptly. Pregnant people, immunocompromised people and children younger than 6 months may need specific guidance after exposure.
How residents can check MMR records
Delaware residents can review their own and their children’s vaccination records through the DelVAX Public Portal. People who cannot find their records there should contact a health care provider or consult the state’s public-health clinic information.
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles, according to the Delaware alert and the CDC. Residents who are unsure whether they have received both doses should ask a provider what action is appropriate rather than relying on memory. Vaccine availability can vary, so residents should call a preferred facility before going.
Symptoms and when to call ahead
Early measles symptoms can include fever, cough, a runny nose and pink eye. A rash typically appears three to five days after those symptoms begin, usually starting on the face and spreading down the body.
Anyone with possible measles symptoms or a known exposure should call a health care provider before arriving at a clinic, doctor’s office or emergency department. The provider and any medical transport should be told about the possible exposure so staff can reduce the risk of exposing other patients and workers.
People with severe symptoms should seek emergency care, but should call ahead when possible. Residents without a regular provider can use the state’s public-health clinic information to identify a facility and should call before going to confirm instructions and availability.
Who faces the greatest risk
DPH identifies unvaccinated people, pregnant people, immunocompromised people and those too young to be vaccinated as groups at greatest risk of serious measles complications. Measles can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in severe cases, death.
Delaware’s current alert will continue to be updated on the Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule. Residents should check the state’s measles information before making decisions about possible exposure, vaccination records or care.
Sources
- Delaware measles public-health alert
- Delaware DPH outbreak declaration
- CDC measles cases and outbreaks
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