Health Officials Warn of Measles Exposure
The New Jersey Department of Health issued a warning on Saturday about a recent case of measles involving a patient who visited the emergency department at Chilton Medical Center in Morris County.
Those who were present in the emergency department in Pompton Plains from 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, to 3:30 a.m. the next day may have been exposed to the virus, as per the state announcement.
In addition, individuals who were in the hospital’s intensive care unit on the fifth floor on Friday, Aug. 1, between 1:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. could also be at risk for measles.
Health officials noted that symptoms may develop as late as August 24 for those exposed to the virus.
People at risk primarily include those who have not been fully vaccinated or who have never contracted measles before.
The reported case involves a resident from Passaic County who contracted measles after recent international travel. Officials indicated that this case is not connected to previous cases in Hudson County or Ocean County reported in July.
As of Saturday, no additional measles cases had been reported.
This year, New Jersey has recorded six measles cases among its residents, three stemming from a household outbreak in February.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can spread easily through coughing, sneezing, or even talking. Symptoms can include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a distinctive rash that starts at the hairline. In severe cases, individuals can develop pneumonia or encephalitis, with potential risks for pregnant women, including miscarriage or low birth-weight babies.
Those with measles are contagious starting four days before their rash appears and continuing for four days afterward.
The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, making it crucial for anyone who may have been exposed to take precautions. It can also be transmitted through contact with the mucus or saliva of an infected person.
Health officials recommend that anyone suspecting exposure should contact their doctor before going to any medical facility. This is important to ensure proper infection control measures are in place to protect other patients and healthcare staff.
According to the CDC, as of July 29, there have been 1,333 confirmed measles cases across 40 states this year.
