3 Case of Measles Reported in New Jersey
The state’s health department has confirmed all 3 cases are in people who are unvaccinated.
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has confirmed there are 3 cases of measles within the state. Back on February 14, a single laboratory-confirmed case of measles was reported in a Bergen County resident with recent international travel.
Subsequently 2 secondary cases of measles have been identified. The new cases had close contact with the first case. The individuals had been under quarantine, minimizing any additional potential exposures, according to NJDOH. All 3 cases are in people who are unvaccinated.
NJDOH said that the person may have exposed others during a visit to the emergency department at Englewood Hospital in Bergen County on Feb. 9 between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 pm.
Last year, a total of 7 measles cases were reported in the state.
The state’s department of health is collaborating with local health officials to identify and notify people who might have been exposed during the time the individuals were infectious.
New Jersey residents can check the Docket App and see what vaccinations have been entered in the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS) and download a copy for their own records.
Individuals can also contact their health care provider who may have immunization history documented in their medical record. Schools, colleges, prior employers, the military, or the obstetrician office may have records of immunization history.
Texas is in the midst of a measles outbreak, largely amongst the Mennonite community in the state. Earlier this week, the Texas Department of State Health Services announced that there are now 124 cases that have been identified since late January, with 18 of those patients hospitalized, and 5 of those cases are in vaccinated individuals. The rest are unvaccinated, or their vaccination status is unknown. Additionally, there are 9 cases in New Mexico.
Read more: Measles: The Canary in the Coal Mine for Childhood Vaccine Decline
Contagion® recently spoke with Paul Offit, MD, the director of the Vaccine Education Center and an attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, about the ongoing outbreak and what signals it might reveal about the current landscape of pediatric vaccination against measles.
“I do expect to see greater amounts of measles outbreaks in the coming year for this reason: the CDC recently reported that more parents are choosing nonmedical vaccine exemptions for their children than ever before. There are a number of jurisdictions where the number of children who are now at risk for measles has become so great that we have lost herd immunity. So, I think what you're seeing in West Texas right now that has spilled over into New Mexico is probably a sign of more to come," Offit said.
Measles Presentation
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be life-threatening. During an outbreak, estimates suggest that 1 in 5 infected people will be hospitalized, and 1 in 20 will develop pneumonia. In rare cases, measles can lead to swelling of the brain and death, and can cause pregnancy complications.
Measles can be transmitted via direct contact with infectious droplets and/or by airborne spread via breaths, coughs, or sneezes. Those infected experience symptoms onset within 1-2 weeks post-exposure, with early symptoms including high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A telltale rash will often break out with flat, red facial spots that spread down the neck and torso. The contagious period tends to be approximately 4 days prior to the rash and lasts until 4 days post-rash. Those who believe they have measles or may have been exposed should isolate themselves and call their health care provider before arriving to be tested, according to state and federal guidance.2
