Ocean Co. Measles: 86 Exposed At Private Event, Official Says

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Just as it appeared the Ocean County measles outbreak appeared to be waning, Ocean County officials say the outbreak could potentially spike, after 86 people were exposed to the virus at a private event.

There are 18 confirmed cases of the illness in the Ocean County outbreak, including three members of a Passaic County household, but no new cases have been confirmed in more than a week. There are six suspected cases under investigation, a number that has fallen from the 16 that were under investigation.

"While it is understandable that many would like to file this outbreak into the history books, we must continue to be vigilant and to take all necessary precautions to avoid an escalation of this measles outbreak," said Daniel E. Regenye, the public health coordinator for the Ocean County Health Department.

The health department did not give details of where or when the event was held, but said it was invitation only.

"The Ocean County Health Department is endeavoring to contact all of the potentially exposed persons and others in its continued investigation and efforts in support of containing the measles outbreak," the department said in a news release.

The outbreak began Oct. 24, when a man who had traveled overseas was diagnosed with the illness. Those who have become ill have ranged from 6 months old to 59 years old. In response, the health department has coordinated the distribution of more than 12,000 doses of measles vaccine.

"The unchanged number of confirmed cases demonstrates the effectiveness of public health measures already put into place," Regenye said. "Our message now is to remain informed on the status of potential measles exposure, insure that one’s family is fully vaccinated and protected, and encourage others in the community to do likewise as we work towards the eventual eradication of measles in our county."

Health officials have urged residents who are unsure about whether they are immune to the measles to check with their health care provider. They also offer the following advice:

If you think you have the measles:

Follow these tips immediately at the first sign of symptoms

1. Avoid public places or close contact with others.
2. Contact your primary care physician immediately to inform them of your signs and symptoms.
3. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
4. Stay home for a minimum of four days after you develop a rash
5. Practice frequent hand washing.
6. Disinfect your surrounding area frequently.

Steps to Prevent Measles:

It is important for every child to receive two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination by age six. The CDC considers you protected from measles if you have written documentation (records) showing at least one of the following:

• You received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n)—
  • school-aged child (grades K-12)
  • adult who will be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission, including students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers.
• You received one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and you are a(n)—
  • preschool-aged child
  • adult who will not be in a high-risk setting for measles transmission.
• A laboratory confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life.
• A laboratory confirmed that you are immune to measles.
• You were born before 1957.

"We are grateful for the efforts of community leaders and members of the public who have embraced and amplified the messaging from the Ocean County Health Department," he said.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Suspected Measles Case Reported In Ocean County
• Measles Cases Now 4 In Ocean County 'Outbreak,' Officials Say
• 6 Cases In NJ As Measles 'Outbreak' Expands, Officials Say
• 11 Measles Cases, Students Reportedly Barred At Lakewood Schools
• Measles Outbreak Prompts Toms River MVC To Shut Temporarily.
• 14 And Counting: Measles Outbreak, Response Growing In Ocean Co
• Are You At Risk In Ocean County Measles Outbreak?
• Ocean County Measles Outbreak: Possible Exposure Outside County
• 3 Passaic Co. Locations Possibly Exposed To Measles: Officials
• 18 Measles Cases In Ocean County Outbreak: Health Department

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