Measles Case Confirmed In Camden County: Officials

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — Health officials on Friday said it they are monitoring a confirmed case of measles in Camden County.

According to the Camden County Health Department, officials are working to identify all people and locations that may have had contact with the infected individual, who lives in the county.

Health officials said the resident visited two healthcare facilities on Jan. 5 and Jan. 8. The time and place of the visits were:

• Jan. 5: Cooper University Healthcare Pediatrics, 6400 Main St. in Voorhees Township, from 11:35 a.m. to 2:32 p.m.
• Jan. 8: Jefferson South Jersey Stratford Hospital Emergency Department, 18 Laurel Rd. in Stratford, from 8 p.m. to 12:32 a.m.

The person also attended daycare; however, anyone who may have been exposed in this setting has been identified and notified, officials said.

The source of the infection is unknown, according to officials.

“Given the serious consequences of measles and the ease with which it can be spread, we will be engaged in a large investigative effort centered on locating and ensuring the immune status of those individuals who may have been in contact with this patient," Camden County Health Officer Paschal Nwako said in a statement.

He continued, "In the meantime, we urge all residents to be vigilant of symptoms and to make sure they are up to date on their MMR vaccine because that is the best way we can protect ourselves and others from this disease."

According to health officials, measles is a virus primarily spread from person to person through respiratory droplets.

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus and typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms.

The virus can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children, health officials said.

Measles can be prevented with the MMR vaccine. Two doses are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles, while one dose is about 93 percent effective, county health officials said.