New Jersey Health Commissioner Urges Families to Take Action to Prevent Measles Following First 2026 U.S. Measles Deaths

Commissioner Washington Confirms No Active Outbreak in NJ, Urges Families to Stay Up to Date on Vaccines

TRENTON-Dr. Raynard E. Washington, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health, released the following statement:

The United States is experiencing the largest measles outbreak in decades. As of August 20, 2026, 2,777 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States. Our neighboring state of Pennsylvania has reported 393 cases in 28 counties with two deaths in unvaccinated individuals - the first deaths from measles in the commonwealth in 35 years, and the first measles deaths in the U.S. this year. On behalf of everyone at the New Jersey Department of Health, I extend our deepest sympathies to their families.

While New Jersey is not experiencing a measles outbreak, we must remain vigilant. Measles is very contagious. The virus that causes measles hangs in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room. People are infectious for four days before they develop a rash and for four days after rash onset. Between one and three of every 1,000 people who catch it will die, and others survive with pneumonia, brain swelling, and deafness.

Our Department works closely with local health departments and healthcare providers to respond to suspected cases quickly. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97% effective at preventing infection and outbreaks. When more than 95% of a community is protected, the virus runs out of people to infect, and an outbreak cannot take hold.

While most New Jersey families are vaccinated, our kindergarten coverage shows that less than 95% of children are receiving the recommended vaccines. According to recent data, only 92% of children in New Jersey have received at least one doses of MMR vaccine by age 24 months, in line with the national average of 91.4%.

So my ask is simple: Please, check your immunization record and your children's, especially if you are planning to travel internationally or to areas in the United States currently experiencing an outbreak. The MMR vaccine is routinely recommended for children 12 to 15 months with another dose between 4 to 6 years of age. However, children as young as 6 months old can be protected with the effective vaccine if they are traveling.

Ask your healthcare provider whether you are up to date. People can pull up their own and their child's record on the free Docket app or via myHealthNJ. If you are not up to date, get vaccinated. It is never too late to catch up!

Our "Stay Well, Learn Well" community calendar lists vaccination events statewide as children head back to school. Most insurance plans cover recommended vaccines, including MMR, and free or low-cost shots are available for eligible children and uninsured adults at a community health center or local health departments.

Measles begins with high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery red eyes, followed three to five days later by a rash that starts at the hairline and spreads downward. If you think you or your child may have measles, call your provider or local health department before going to a healthcare provider's office or emergency department so they can arrange care without exposing others.