Measles Exposure Occurred At Middlesex County Hospital

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Someone with measles was at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick on Feb. 6, said the NJ Department of Health in an alert.

The person does not have measles, but they visited Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital while infectious, said the Dept. of Health.

This person was in the pediatric area of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick from 11:15 p.m. February 6 through 4:45 a.m. February 7. Potentially exposed individuals, if infected, could develop symptoms as late as February 28, said the state. They are not a New Jersey resident.

The measles 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.

As of the time of this release on February 10, no additional associated cases in New Jersey have been identified. Should additional exposures be identified, information will be posted on the Department’s website: nj.gov/health/measles.

There have been no confirmed measles cases in New Jersey so far in 2026. There were a total of 11 confirmed measles cases reported in New Jersey for 2025.

Nationwide, measles cases continue to soar. According to the CDC, as of February 6, 2026, a total of 2,276 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States for 2025, and 733 have been reported this year.

The public is 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.

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.

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. Special arrangements will be made to prevent the spread of this virus. Please do not visit a medical facility without calling ahead.

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 is the most effective way to protect against measles, mumps and rubella.