NJ Health Officials Confirm Measles Case in Bergen County, Urge Public to Check Vaccination Status

Visitors to specific Hackensack locations in late August may have been exposed; health authorities stress MMR vaccination amid rising national measles cases.

BERGEN, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has confirmed a new case of measles in a Bergen County resident, prompting an alert to the public and a reminder to stay current on measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.

The confirmed case is not linked to any previous measles cases in the state, and New Jersey is not currently experiencing an outbreak, which the CDC defines as three or more related cases. As of September 3, 2025, no additional associated cases have been identified.

The NJDOH, in coordination with local health departments, is conducting contact tracing and notifying individuals who may have been exposed. Exposure may have occurred at the following locations in Hackensack on the specified dates and times:

Potential Measles Exposure Locations

• 385 Prospect Plaza, 385 Prospect Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601

  • August 25, 2025: 2:30 PM – 5:45 PM

  • August 29, 2025: 8:45 AM – 11:30 AM

• Pediatric Emergency Department, Hackensack University Medical Center, 30 Prospect Ave

  • August 26, 2025: 10:45 AM – 5:45 PM

• Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center

  • August 26, 2025 (3:30 PM) – August 27, 2025 (8:30 PM)

What to Do If You Were Present

Individuals who were present at any of the above locations during the specified times may have been exposed to measles. Anyone who suspects they may be infected or exposed should contact their local health department or doctor before visiting any medical facility, allowing providers to take necessary precautions to protect staff and other patients.

Symptoms of measles typically develop 7–14 days after exposure and may include:

• High fever

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Watery, red eyes

• A rash that starts at the hairline and spreads downward

Symptoms from this case could appear as late as September 20, 2025, in those who were exposed.

Public Health Advisory

The NJDOH emphasizes that measles is highly contagious and can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. The virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, and contact with infected mucus or saliva. Serious complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling, and pregnancy complications such as miscarriage or premature birth.

People who are not fully vaccinated or have never had measles are at the highest risk of infection. The MMR vaccine, administered in two doses, is the most effective protection against measles and its complications. NJDOH urges:

• All residents to stay current on routine MMR vaccinations

• International travelers, including infants aged 6–11 months, to receive appropriate MMR doses prior to travel

• Healthcare providers to assess vaccine status at every patient encounter and notify receiving facilities in advance when referring suspected measles cases

Measles in New Jersey and Nationwide

This is New Jersey’s 10th confirmed case in 2025, up from seven cases in 2024. Nationally, the CDC has reported 1,431 measles cases across 42 jurisdictions so far this year—the highest annual total since 1992. Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but recent surges in cases have been attributed to declining vaccination rates in some communities.

For more information, residents are encouraged to visit the NJDOH website or contact their local health office.