New Jersey measles cases rise to 3

In a follow-up from New Jersey, the state Department of Health (NJDOH) reports the measles case count is now three, after two secondary cases of measles to the initial case in Bergan County have been identified.

The new cases had close contact with the index case. The individuals had been under quarantine, minimizing any additional potential exposures. All three cases associated with this situation are unvaccinated.

The NJDOH is working in collaboration with local health officials to identify and notify people who might have been exposed during the time the individuals were infectious. The Department urges all New Jersey residents to ensure they are current on all routine vaccinations, especially MMR vaccinations.

Measles is a very contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. Ninety percent of people with close contact with an infected person will get measles if they are not vaccinated. Before the measles vaccine became available, measles was a common childhood disease. Measles is considered the most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses. Symptoms may include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, rash. Measles can have serious complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and miscarriage in pregnant women. For every 1,000 children who get measles, one or two will die.

Related news:

Measles update: 124 cases in a month reported in the South Plains region of Texas

Texas officials report measles death in unvaccinated child