NJ Health Department Alerts Residents of New Potential Exposures from a Non-NJ Measles Case, Urges Individuals to Stay Up to Date on Vaccines

TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is alerting residents about potential exposures associated with a newly identified case of measles in a non-NJ resident who visited NJ while infectious. Individuals - especially parents, guardians, health care providers, and caregivers - are urged to be aware of the symptoms of this highly contagious virus and to stay up to date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shots.

Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that usually appears between three and five days after symptoms begin. The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs, and feet. Measles can also cause serious complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and can lead to miscarriage in pregnant people, premature birth, or a low-birth-weight baby.

NJDOH recommends that anyone who visited the following locations only during the specified dates and times may have been exposed to measles. Anyone who suspects an exposure or suspects illness is urged to call a health care provider BEFORE going to a medical office or emergency department. Special arrangements can be made for evaluation while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection. Please do not visit a medical facility without calling ahead.

• Location: Newark Liberty International Airport, Terminal A
  • Date & Time: March 25, 2025, between 3:45 PM and 6:15 PM
  • Date & Time: March 27, 2025, between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM (waited in Starbucks prior to departure)

• Location: Marriott Park Ridge, 300 Brae Blvd, Park Ridge, NJ
  • Date & Time: March 25, 2025, 5:00 PM through March 27, 2025, 3:15 PM

• Location: Starbucks, 191 Kinderkamack Rd, Park Ridge, NJ
  • Date & Time: March 26, 2025, between 6:00 AM and 8:30 AM

• Location: Sean O'Casey's Irish Pub, Located in Marriott Park Ridge, 300 Brae Blvd, Park Ridge, NJ
  • Date & Time: March 26, 2025, between 5:00 PM and 7:15 PM

• Location: Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, 230 E. Ridgewood Ave, Paramus, NJ
  • Emergency Department
    • Date & Time: March 27, 2025, between 6:45 AM and 12:15 PM
  • Radiology/Laboratory Department
    • Date & Time: March 27, 2025, between 8:30 AM and 11:00 PM

Potentially exposed individuals, if infected, could develop symptoms as late as April 17, 2025.

As of the time of this release on April 2, no additional associated cases in New Jersey have been identified.

NJDOH is working in collaboration with local health officials to identify and notify potential contacts.

The virus spreads easily through the air when someone coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.

Individuals at risk include those who have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles in the past.

MMR vaccine, administered in two doses, is safe and the most effective way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. The vaccine is also effective at preventing complications caused by these highly contagious diseases.

NJDOH encourages all residents to stay up-to-date on routine vaccinations including MMR shots. Anyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before traveling. Infants 6-11 months old should get one dose of the MMR vaccine before travel. Then they should get two more doses after their first birthday.

NJDOH is also requesting that health care providers use every opportunity to assess for immunizations to ensure all patients are current on routine immunizations. More guidance for health care providers regarding vigilance against measles can be found in the resources below:

Resources:

• NJDOH Measles Webpage
• NJDOH Factsheet on Measles Exposure
• NJDOH Measles Information and Tips Fact Sheet
• NJDOH MMR Vaccine Information
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Measles Information
• CDC MMR Vaccine Information

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The New Jersey Department of Health is a nationally accredited health department working to ensure that all New Jerseyans live long, healthy lives and reach their fullest potential. With more than 5,500 employees, the Department serves to protect the public's health, promote healthy communities, and continue to improve the quality of health care in New Jersey. 

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