New Jersey has logged its first measles case of the year, officials said Wednesday.
The infected Hudson County resident, who had been traveling internationally, visited Newark airport on the morning of April 14, state health officials said
Then, Friday night, around 11:15 p.m., the person was seen at the pediatric Emergency Room of Hackensack Medical Center in Hackensack.
"Individuals – especially parents, guardians, health care providers, and caregivers – are urged to be aware of the symptoms of this highly contagious virus and to ensure they are up to date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shots," the state said in a message.
The state's Department of Health said anyone who visited the following locations, during the specified dates and times, may have been exposed:
"Anyone who suspects an exposure or illness should call their local health department or a health care provider before going to any medical office or emergency department," the state said.
The state has been announcing such cases so that the public can get treated early if they have the virus, which can turn deadly.
Three Deaths
The number of people who've been vaccinated against the virus has been on the decline.
Last year, two children and an adult died during an outbreak in Texas, the first measles deaths in the United States since 2015.
A total of 1,748 cases of measles have been reported in the United States so far this year.
At least 96 percent of those measles patients were confirmed to be unvaccinated or partly vaccinated, according to CDC statistics.
Three or more related cases are considered an outbreak. Currently, the largest outbreaks are in South Carolina, Utah, Texas, and Florida.
Was Eliminated
Measles was virtually eradicated in North and South America by 2016, due to childhood vaccines that have been in use since 1963.
The progress was set back in 2018 due to gaps in vaccines in other countries, resulting in a spread and new outbreaks, scientists say.
In America, the majority of children are vaccinated at a young age. Because the disease is so contagious, it requires at least 95 percent of a local population to be vaccinated in order to prevent its spread, health experts say.
New Jersey's vaccination level dropped to 92 percent last year, an official said.
What To Watch For
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 state said, "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."
Two Doses
Last year, measles cases soared to the highest levels reported since 1992.
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 at risk include those who have not been fully vaccinated.
The MMR vaccine is administered in two doses, and protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, as well as their complications.
The state encouraged all residents to stay up to date on routine vaccinations, including MMR shots.
Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6th Dist.) said on Thursday, “The presence of measles in New Jersey should put us all on alert. This virus is highly contagious...The measles vaccine is safe, effective, and remains our best defense against an outbreak."
He said federal leaders had undermined confidence in vaccines, urging people to protect themselves. Last year, he introduced the Family Vaccine Protection Act to keep doctors' recommendations in place.
Find out more about measles and vaccines on the NJ Department of Health webpage here.
READ MORE: State Of NJ Gives Update On Measles Cases, Herd Immunity
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