Measles Alert Issued in New Jersey County Following Three Confirmed Cases

A measles alert has been issued in New Jersey after three cases of the highly contagious virus were confirmed in the state’s most populous county.

Cases Confirmed in Bergen County

An unvaccinated resident in Bergen County contracted measles after returning from a trip overseas. The person spread it to two others, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. All three are unvaccinated.

State Health Department Issues Alert

The state health department issued the alert Thursday, a day after Texas authorities confirmed an unvaccinated child in the Lone Star State died of a measles infection, marking the first death from the virus in the US since 2015.

Warning and Precautions

NJDOH advises anyone who visited Englewood Hospital’s emergency department between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 9 to monitor for symptoms, which could appear as late as March 6, the health department said.

The department is also working to contact trace anyone else who might have been exposed but emphasized that any patient, staffer or visitor who was at the hospital between those hours should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Precautions for Exposure

Those who suspect they might have been exposed should first call their doctor before heading to a facility so that they don’t risk infecting more people.

Additional Cases Confirmed in Pennsylvania and Texas

One case of measles was also reported in Pennsylvania. Another measles case was also confirmed in an unvaccinated child in Montgomery County, Pa. on Sunday, according to the Montgomery County Department of Health.

Importance of Vaccination

The measles spread has pushed many to highlight the importance of lifesaving vaccines like the MMR. Many have called on Robert F Kennedy Jr. — the newly confirmed United States Secretary of Health and Human Services who has infamously come out against vaccines — to speak on the outbreak and visit the communities most affected to try and sway the needle.

Measles Vaccination

Measles vaccines require two doses and last for life. Kindergarteners entering public schools nationwide are required to be vaccinated for measles – but since the COVID-19 pandemic, most states’ kindergarten-aged populations have dropped below the 95% vaccination threshold considered vital for stopping measles outbreaks.

Federal MMR Vaccination Rates

More than 93% of New Jersey kindergarteners received the MMR vaccine last year, but the percentage was still down one percent from just over 94% in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 97% were vaccinated in New York and Connecticut in both years.

What You Can Do

Anyone who thinks they may have contracted measles should call their doctor before going to the office to limit their contact with others. Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease. Bacteria can remain in the air for up to two hours after anyone who has contracted it coughs or sneezes, according to the NJDOH.

Symptoms and Risk Group

Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes and a rash that usually appears between three and five days after symptoms begin. Those most at risk are people not fully vaccinated or who have not had the measles before. The MMR vaccine is two doses and typically provides lifelong protection against the disease.

Conclusion

The recent measles outbreak in New Jersey and Texas serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination and the need for continued public health awareness. It is crucial that individuals take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from this highly contagious disease.

FAQs

* What are the symptoms of measles?
+ High fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that usually appears between three and five days after symptoms begin.
* Who is most at risk for measles?
+ People not fully vaccinated or who have not had the measles before.
* How can I prevent the spread of measles?
+ Get vaccinated, avoid close contact with those infected, and call your doctor before visiting a healthcare facility if you suspect you may have been exposed.
* What should I do if I think I have contracted measles?
+ Call your doctor before visiting a healthcare facility to limit your contact with others.