A person with measles recently visited Englewood Hospital in Bergen County, prompting the New Jersey Department of Health to warn residents of potential exposure. The individual, who had traveled internationally, was at the hospital on February 9 between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Those who were present during this time may have been exposed and should contact their doctor as soon as possible to discuss potential risk and symptoms. Measles can spread easily through the air and remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
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 rash starts as flat red spots on the face at the hairline before spreading downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet.
The virus can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis, and lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or a low-birth-weight baby in pregnant people. Those who have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles in the past are at risk of infection.
Residents should take precautions by calling their doctor before visiting any facility, allowing necessary infection prevention measures to be taken. As of Friday, no additional associated cases had been identified. Potential exposure may lead to symptoms as late as March 6, and those who believe they have been exposed should contact their doctor immediately.
Source: https://www.nj.com/bergen/2025/02/measles-exposure-risk-at-nj-hospital-health-officials-warn.html