The New Jersey Department of Health is warning residents about a fourth confirmed case of measles — a highly contagious disease — in an adult Ocean County resident who could have possibly exposed others to the infection between March 9 and March 14, 2019. A measles outbreak is ongoing in Ocean County. The Department and local health officials are investigating any connection between the recent cases, the previous outbreak in Ocean County, or current outbreaks in other states.
Anyone who visited the following locations may have been exposed to measles:
- Bais Medrash Tiferes Pinchos, East 5th St and Negba St, Lakewood, NJ 08701
- March 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Newark Liberty International Airport, Terminal B
- March 14 from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (March 15)
The Department is working in collaboration with the Ocean County Health Department to identify and notify people who might have been exposed during the time the individuals were infectious. In the event that additional exposures are identified, information will be updated on the Department's measles page.
The Department recommends that anyone who visited the location listed above during the specified dates/times should contact a health provider immediately to discuss potential exposure and risk of developing the illness. If you have been exposed, you are at risk if you have not been vaccinated or have not had measles. Individuals potentially exposed, if infected, could develop symptoms as late as April 7.
Anyone who suspects an exposure is urged to call a health care provider before going to a medical office or emergency department. Special arrangements can be made for evaluation while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection.
Measles symptoms include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. It can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Measles infection in a pregnant woman can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby. Measles is easily spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.
Anyone who has not been vaccinated or has not had measles is at risk if they are exposed. "Two doses of measles vaccine are about 97 percent effective in preventing measles,” said Dr. Christina Tan, state epidemiologist.
“We urge everyone to check to make sure they and their family members are up-to-date on measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, it protects others around you who are too young to get the vaccine or can’t receive it for medical reasons. If you’re planning an international trip, the World Health Organization recommends that adults or adolescents unsure of their immune status get a dose of measles vaccine before traveling,” Dr. Tan added.
Before international travel:
- Infants 6 through 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine. Infants who get one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should get two more doses (one dose at 12 through 15 months of age and another dose separated by at least 28 days).
- Children 1 year and older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
- Teenagers and adults who do not have evidence of immunity against measles should get two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
A document with information on what to do if you’ve been exposed to measles is available on our website: http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/documents/topics/measles/measles_exposure_guidance_public.pdf
For more information about measles, contact your health care provider, or visit the New Jersey Department of Health website at http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/topics/measles.shtml
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