The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has issued a measles alert after confirming three cases in Bergen County. The virus, which spreads easily through the air, was traced to an unvaccinated resident who returned from an international trip and infected two close contacts.
Health officials are urging residents to take precautions, especially those who may have been exposed at Englewood Hospital. This alert follows a recent measles-related death in Texas amid a growing outbreak in the United States.
Measles Cases Confirmed in Bergen County
NJDOH has confirmed three cases of measles in Bergen County. The outbreak started when an unvaccinated individual contracted the virus abroad and unknowingly transmitted it to two unvaccinated close contacts.
With measles being highly contagious, health officials are working on contact tracing to alert those who may have been exposed. The department is advising residents to check their vaccination status and seek medical advice if they experience symptoms.
Potential Exposure at Englewood Hospital
Health officials warn that anyone who visited Englewood Hospital’s emergency department on February 9 between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. may have been exposed to measles. Symptoms could appear as late as March 6.
NJDOH advises individuals who were at the hospital during this time to contact their healthcare provider immediately. If you suspect you have measles, call your doctor first before visiting a medical facility to prevent further spread.
The Importance of Measles Vaccination
In response to the outbreak, health experts stress the importance of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
Dr. Suhaib Nashi, a pediatrician, emphasized how critical vaccination is:
“A simple thing like this could protect a child from dying.”
Vaccination rates in New Jersey have declined slightly. According to the CDC, over 93% of kindergarteners in New Jersey were vaccinated for the 2023-24 school year, down from 94% in 2022. Nationally, vaccination rates among kindergarteners have fallen by 2.5% from 2020 to 2024.
Experts warn that low vaccination rates can lead to outbreaks, as measles spreads rapidly among unvaccinated individuals.
How Measles Spreads and Symptoms to Watch For
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses, spreading through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
Common Symptoms of Measles:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Watery, red eyes
- Rash that appears 3-5 days after symptoms begin
The rash starts as flat, red spots on the face at the hairline and spreads down to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet.
Who Is at Risk?
According to the CDC, those at the highest risk of measles include:
- Unvaccinated individuals
- People who have never had measles before
- Infants too young to be vaccinated
Although measles was declared eradicated in the U.S. over 20 years ago, sporadic cases still occur when travelers bring the virus back from other countries.
Dr. Joseph Kim, Chief Medical Officer for ID Care, explained:
“One person in an unvaccinated community can infect 12 to 18 people.”
What to Do If You Were Exposed to Measles
If you suspect you were exposed to measles:
- Check your medical records to see if you’re vaccinated
- Get a booster shot if you’re unsure
- Monitor for symptoms until March 6 (if exposed at Englewood Hospital)
- Call your doctor before visiting a medical facility
Dr. Robert Amler, a public health expert, warned:
“The concern is if there’s a pocket of unvaccinated people because this virus is very good at finding those who are not protected.”
Health officials urge everyone eligible to get the MMR vaccine, which is nearly 100% effective in preventing measles.
