Paramus, New Jersey – Health officials in New Jersey have issued a warning after a person infected with the measles virus traveled to various locations in the state, including Newark Liberty International Airport and several spots in Bergen County. The individual, who arrived in New Jersey from Michigan, had also recently traveled abroad before returning to the U.S. and moving between Michigan and New Jersey.
Individuals who visited certain locations during specific dates and times have been advised to monitor for symptoms potentially related to measles. Some of the locations include Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport, Marriott Park Ridge, Starbucks in Park Ridge, and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Emergency Department in Paramus. On Wednesday, officials mentioned that no confirmed cases of measles related to this incident have been reported in New Jersey.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 378 cases of measles in the U.S. within the past three months, representing a 32% increase compared to the entire year before. This rise in cases has even led to two deaths – the first measles-related fatalities in the U.S. in ten years.
Another person infected with measles traveled to New Jersey last Friday, potentially exposing individuals at a medical center in Mercer County. Additionally, someone else with the virus rode an Amtrak train from New York Penn Station to Washington, D.C. earlier in March, highlighting the ease with which measles can be transmitted through the air via coughing and sneezing.
Measles symptoms typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a rash that emerges several days after the start of symptoms. The rash typically begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. In severe cases, measles can lead to complications like pneumonia and encephalitis.
Health officials urge individuals who may have been exposed to measles to remain vigilant for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. Subscription support for journalism is available via NJ.com. For more information, contact Matthew Enuco at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com.