The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has issued a measles alert after confirming three cases of the highly contagious virus in Bergen County.
Measles Cases Linked to International Travel
An unvaccinated New Jersey resident contracted measles after returning from an international trip and subsequently spread it to two close contacts, who were also not immunized.
NJDOH has warned that individuals who visited Englewood Hospital’s emergency department between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on February 9 may have been exposed. Symptoms could appear as late as March 6. Contact tracing efforts are underway to notify those who might have been affected, and individuals who were at the hospital during this period are advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Preventing the Spread of Measles
Anyone experiencing measles symptoms should call their doctor before visiting a healthcare facility to allow for precautions that protect other patients and staff.
Health officials emphasize that vaccination is the most effective prevention method. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is recommended for all eligible individuals.
“A simple thing like this could protect a child from dying,” said Dr. Suhaib Nashi, a pediatrician who regularly administers the vaccine.
Vaccination Rates and Public Health Concerns
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), New Jersey’s MMR vaccination rate among kindergarteners for the 2023-24 school year was over 93%, a slight decrease from the previous year. Nationwide, kindergarten vaccination rates have dropped by approximately 2.5% from 2020 to 2024.
Experts warn that low vaccination rates create pockets of vulnerability, making outbreaks more likely.
“The concern is if there’s a pocket of unvaccinated people because this virus is very good at finding people who are not vaccinated,” said Dr. Robert Amler, a professor of public health at New York Medical College.
Measles was declared eradicated from the continental U.S. over 20 years ago, but sporadic cases continue due to international travel.
“One person in an unvaccinated community can infect 12 to 18 people,” said Dr. Joseph Kim, chief medical officer at ID Care, a New Jersey infectious disease provider.
How Measles Spreads and Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Common symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Watery, red eyes
- A rash that typically appears three to five days after symptoms begin, starting at the hairline and spreading downward.
What to Do If You Were Exposed
If you suspect you were exposed to measles, check your medical records to confirm your vaccination status. If unsure, booster shots are available.
Health officials stress that measles is highly contagious but entirely preventable through vaccination. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or have never had measles remain at the highest risk of infection.
For more information, visit the CDC or the New Jersey Department of Health website.
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