New Jersey health officials are warning transit riders of a potential measles outbreak after an infected rider was spotted on the PATH train and Light Rail last week. The infected Hudson County resident had confirmed measles symptoms, prompting officials to urge riders to verify their MMR vaccination status.
Riders should be aware of measles symptoms, including high fever, cough, red eyes, runny nose, and a distinctive rash that typically appears 10-14 days after exposure. Measles can also cause ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, brain damage, and death in severe cases.
While New Jersey has not yet reported an official outbreak, neighboring states are experiencing a surge in measles cases. The US declared measles elimination in 2000, but vaccination rates have decreased due to misconceptions about vaccine side effects. As of 2025, Johns Hopkins reports over 1,378 cases, making it the highest number since 1992.
Source: https://gothamist.com/news/nj-warns-path-light-rail-riders-of-possible-measles-exposure