State Confirms Single Measles Case, Urges Vaccination and Vigilance

Potential exposure at Englewood Hospital on Feb. 9; NJDOH advises residents to check immunization status.

TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has confirmed one case of measles in Bergen County, prompting public health officials to caution residents about potential exposure and underscore the need to remain current on measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. The infected individual, who had recently traveled abroad, visited Englewood Hospital on February 9, potentially exposing others to the highly transmissible virus.

Not an Outbreak, but Risks Remain

Although the state is not experiencing a measles outbreak—defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as three or more related cases—officials warn that even a single case can pose a risk, especially to unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals. The NJDOH emphasizes the following:

Location & Time of Possible Exposure:
- Englewood Hospital Emergency Department
- 350 Engle Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
- February 9, 2025, 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Incubation Period:
- People potentially exposed to the virus could develop symptoms as late as March 6, 2025.
- Anyone who visited the emergency department during the specified hours should contact their health care provider to discuss possible exposure and next steps.
No Additional Cases to Date:
- As of February 14, no other measles cases linked to this exposure have been identified.

Symptoms and Complications

Measles often begins with: High fever, Cough, Runny nose, Red, watery eyes.

A signature rash typically emerges three to five days later, starting on the face and spreading downward. Serious health complications can include pneumonia and encephalitis, and in pregnant individuals, measles increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight.

The measles virus transmits easily through the air by coughs and sneezes and can linger in a room or enclosed space for up to two hours. Health experts note that people who have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine or who have never contracted measles themselves face heightened vulnerability.

Public Health Recommendations

Vaccination: NJDOH strongly advises all residents to maintain current immunizations, particularly two doses of MMR. Given the global resurgence of measles, travelers should ensure MMR protection is up to date before departure.
Stay Alert: Anyone who suspects they may have symptoms or exposure should call their provider before arriving at a medical facility, allowing staff to implement infection-control protocols.
Healthcare Provider Role: Medical professionals should review patients’ immunizations at every appointment and encourage any missing vaccines—especially the MMR vaccine for children from 12 months onward and respiratory vaccines (COVID-19, influenza) for individuals six months and older.

Coordinated Response

NJDOH is coordinating with local health departments and Englewood Hospital to notify potentially exposed individuals and perform thorough contact tracing. Public health agencies aim to curb further spread through rapid identification of any new cases, while reminding the broader community that measles is preventable with safe and effective vaccinations.

For more details or to learn about measles prevention, visit the NJDOH website or consult a trusted healthcare provider.