A measles outbreak has been confirmed in New Jersey, with three cases linked to a child from Bergen County who recently traveled abroad and was not vaccinated. Dr. Meg Fisher, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Unterberg Children’s Hospital, warned that the highly contagious disease can spread quickly and easily.
The two new cases are individuals who had close contact with the initial patient and are under quarantine. Measles is one of the world’s most contagious infectious diseases, and its airborne nature makes it particularly frightening. According to Dr. Fisher, if someone has measles and is around unvaccinated people, they can infect up to 15 other individuals.
Declining vaccination rates worldwide since the COVID-19 pandemic have been cited as a leading cause for the outbreak. Experts stress that high immunization rates are crucial in preventing the spread of measles, with at least 95% of the community needed to be vaccinated to protect everyone.
Dr. Fisher noted that one or two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine can provide up to 97-99% protection against the virus. Symptoms of measles closely mirror those of other respiratory illnesses but include distinctive signs such as fever, cough, and a red rash. If you suspect your child may have been exposed, contact public health officials promptly.
The New Jersey Department of Health is warning the public about potential exposure at several healthcare facilities, including PromptMD Urgent Care, Englewood Hospital Emergency Department, and Hackensack University Medical Center. Anyone who visited these locations during specified dates and times should contact their healthcare provider.
Source: https://www.njspotlightnews.org/video/new-measles-cases-in-nj-tied-to-unvaccinated-patients