The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has confirmed a case of measles in an Ocean County resident and is urging local residents — particularly parents, caregivers, and health care providers — to be alert to the symptoms of the disease and to verify that their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations are up to date.
According to NJDOH, this is a single, isolated case and does not currently constitute an outbreak. Under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, a measles outbreak is defined as three or more related cases.
Health officials are working in collaboration with Ocean County’s local health departments to conduct contact tracing and notify individuals who may have been exposed. People who may have been exposed could still develop symptoms through July 22.
Symptoms and Risks
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or contact with an infected person’s saliva or mucus. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual has left the area.
Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that usually appears three to five days later. The rash begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. In some cases, measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), miscarriage, or premature birth.
Those at higher risk include individuals who have not been vaccinated and those who have never had measles.
What to Do if You Suspect Exposure
The NJDOH strongly advises anyone who suspects they may have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms not to visit a doctor’s office or emergency room without calling ahead. Local health departments and providers can make special arrangements to prevent the potential spread of the virus to other patients and medical staff.
Vaccine Recommendations
The MMR vaccine, administered in two doses, remains the most effective method of protection. NJDOH encourages all residents — especially children and those planning to travel internationally — to ensure they are fully vaccinated. Children between 6 and 11 months old who are traveling abroad should receive one early dose before travel, followed by the two routine doses after their first birthday.
Ocean County residents are reminded to stay up to date on routine immunizations and remain informed through official state health resources. As of this publication, no additional related cases have been identified in New Jersey.
For more information on measles, visit nj.gov/health.
