Measles-Infected Resident Exposed ER, 2 Other NJ Facilities To Illness

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A Bergen County resident with measles — a highly contagious and sometimes fatal virus — visited a children's emergency room and two other medical facilities at the end of August, the state of New Jersey announced late Wednesday.

[UPDATE: Two other facilities, including a pre-school, were visited by the same person, officials said late Thursday. Find out more here.]

"Individuals – especially parents, guardians, health care providers, and caregivers – are urged to be aware of the symptoms of this highly contagious virus and to ensure they are up to date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shots," the state said in a message.

The case of the Bergen County resident is not related to previously reported cases in the state, including a case reported last month of a Hudson County resident who took public transportation around North Jersey. READ MORE: Measles-Infected Rider Took NJ Transit, State Says

The state's Department of Health said anyone who visited the following locations, only during the specified dates and times, may have been exposed to measles:

• 385 Prospect Plaza, 385 Prospect Ave, Hackensack (Medical Office Building)
• Aug. 25, 2:30-5:45 p.m., Aug. 29, 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Pediatric Emergency Department, Hackensack University Medical Center, 30 Prospect Ave, Hackensack
• Aug. 26, 10:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

• Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center, 30 Prospect Ave, Hackensack
• Aug. 26, 3:30 p.m. to Aug. 27, 8:30 p.m.

Anyone who suspects an exposure or illness should call their local health department or a health care provider before going to any medical office or emergency department, state officials said.

The state has been announcing such cases so that the public can get treated early if they have the disease, as the number of people getting vaccinated against the once-eradicated virus has declined. Earlier this year, two children and an adult died during an outbreak of the virus in Texas.

More than 94 percent of those hospitalized with the virus in that outbreak were confirmed to be unvaccinated, that state said.

Background

Measles was virtually eradicated in North and South America by 2016, due to childhood vaccines that have been in use since 1963. However, the progress was set back in 2018 due to gaps in vaccines in other countries that led to outbreaks, scientists say.

In America, most children are vaccinated at a young age. Because the disease is so contagious, it requires at least 95 percent of a local population to be vaccinated in order to prevent its spread, health officials say.

New Jersey's vaccination level recently dropped to 92 percent, an official said.

What To Watch For

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 state said, "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."

Worst Year Since 1992

Nationally, measles cases have soared to the highest levels reported since 1992, eight years before the disease was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, said the state.

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 at risk include those who have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles in the past.

The MMR vaccine is administered in two doses, and protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, as well as their complications.

The state encouraged all residents to stay up to date on routine vaccinations, including MMR shots.

Find out more here: NJDOH Measles Webpage

PRIOR REPORTING: State Of NJ Gives Update On Bergen County Measles Cases, Herd Immunity