A person from out of state carrying measles visited Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, last Friday, prompting a health alert for anyone who may have been exposed, state officials said Tuesday.
The individual visited the hospital’s pediatric emergency department on February 6 between 11:15 a.m. And 4:45 p.m., according to a statement from the New Jersey Department of Health. The department is advising anyone who was at the facility during those hours to be aware of potential exposure.
Health officials are urging individuals who believe they may have been infected to contact the state health department or their healthcare provider before seeking medical attention in person. This precaution is intended to limit potential spread within medical facilities.
Measles symptoms typically initiate with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery, red eyes. A rash usually develops three to five days after initial symptoms appear. Exposure to the virus can result in symptoms appearing as late as February 28, the health department stated.
Those at highest risk are individuals who have not been fully vaccinated against measles or who have no prior history of infection. Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus spread through coughing, sneezing, or even talking.
The health department warned that the virus can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room. Transmission can similarly occur through contact with mucus or saliva from an infected individual.
While most cases are mild, measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, and encephalitis. The health department also noted potential risks for pregnant women, including miscarriage or low birth weight babies.
Individuals with measles are considered contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after the rash becomes visible.
The alert comes as New Jersey faces challenges with measles vaccination rates among kindergartners. Recent data indicates that thousands of children entering kindergarten in the state are not fully vaccinated against the virus, raising concerns about potential outbreaks, according to NJ Spotlight News.
A separate exposure incident was reported in Hudson County, where a resident with measles used the PATH train and light rail systems in Bayonne and Jersey City, according to TAPinto.net.
The Middlesex County hospital exposure is currently under investigation by state health officials.
