Measles-Infected Traveler Visited Newark Airport, Bergen County

NEW JERSEY — A traveler infected with measles recently passed through Newark Airport and several locations in Bergen County, including a hotel, a Starbucks, a local pub and a medical center, authorities say.

The infected adult traveled abroad before returning to the U.S. and passing between Michigan and New Jersey, authorities said.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), anyone who visited the following locations during the specified times and dates may have been exposed to measles:

Newark Liberty International Airport, Terminal A

• March 25, between 3:45 PM and 6:15 PM
• March 27, between 2 PM and 7 PM (waited in Starbucks prior to departure)

Marriott Park Ridge, 300 Brae Boulevard, Park Ridge

• March 25, 5 PM through March 27, 3:15 PM

Starbucks, 191 Kinderkamack Road, Park Ridge

• March 26, between 6 AM and 8:30 AM

Sean O'Casey's Irish Pub, Located in Marriott Park Ridge, 300 Brae Boulevard, Park Ridge

• March 26, between 5 PM and 7:15 PM

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, 230 E. Ridgewood Ave, Paramus, NJ

• Emergency Department - March 27 between 6:45 AM and 12:15 PM
• Radiology/Laboratory Department - March 27 between 8:30 AM and 11 PM

People who have been exposed could develop symptoms as late as April 17 if they are infected, health officials said.

As of April 2, no additional associated cases in New Jersey have been identified, officials added.

What should people be watching for? Here are some signs that you may be infected with measles, the NJDOH said:

“Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that usually appears between three and five days after symptoms begin. The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet.”

Measles can also cause serious complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and can lead to miscarriage in pregnant people, premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby, the NJDOH stated.

The virus spreads easily through the air when someone coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person, health officials said.

Anyone who is ill or suspects they may have been exposed to measles should call a health care provider before going to a medical office or emergency department, so that proper precautions can be taken for their arrival, authorities said.

Health officials advised New Jersey residents to get a measles vaccine:

“The NJDOH encourages all residents to stay up-to-date on routine vaccinations including MMR shots. Anyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before traveling. Infants 6–11 months old should get one dose of the MMR vaccine before travel. Then they should get two more doses after their first birthday.”

Measles, a highly contagious respiratory infection, has been grabbing headlines with outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico and Bergen County in New Jersey. Most of the 301 cases are among children who hadn’t received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, Rutgers researchers said.

The renewed focus on measles comes amid an ongoing national debate over vaccines.

In February, the U.S. Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has seen vocal criticism – and staunch support – for his stances on vaccines and other public health issues, including measles.

Earlier this month, Kennedy recommended that parents consider getting a measles vaccine, saying that the situation has “escalated rapidly.”

“Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons,” he wrote.

“All parents should consult with their health care providers to understand their options to get the MMR vaccine,” he said, adding that “the decision to vaccinate is a personal one.”

• See Related: Rutgers Expert Says Measles Vaccines Are 'Safe' After NJ Outbreak
• See Related: More NJ Kids Are Unvaccinated Than 10 Years Ago: County Breakdown
• See Related: Measles Cases Rising Nationwide: Should We Worry In NJ?

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